Spain U20s replacement back Mateo Aragon has been handed a seven-match ban by an independent disciplinary committee after being found guilty of racist verbal abuse during a match at the Junior World Rugby Championships in Georgia. The incident occurred during Spain's 57-32 defeat to France in Pool D on Thursday, July 2.
Allegations and Citing
Aragon, a product of Bordeaux-Begles' academy, was cited by World Rugby for an offence contrary to law 9.12 (verbal abuse) following the match. He was alleged to have made racist remarks in French to Toulon fly-half Luka Keletaona during the clash. Keletaona reported the incident to reporters after the match, stating that racist comments had been directed at him and that they "must not go unnoticed." The French Rugby Federation (FFR) later confirmed its full support for Keletaona and filed an official complaint with World Rugby.
Disciplinary Hearing and Sanction
The case was heard by an independent disciplinary committee on Friday, chaired by Jenifer Donovan (Ireland), along with former player Victoria Irwin (England) and former referee Juan Pablo Spirandelli (Argentina). The panel reviewed match footage, audio, and witness statements from both teams before determining that Aragon had not proven, on the balance of probabilities, that the citing should be overturned. A mid-range entry point of 12 matches was initially imposed, but after considering factors including the racial element of the offence, the committee decided not to award full mitigation, resulting in a final sanction of seven matches.
World Rugby Statement
World Rugby issued a statement on Sunday, saying: "There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and any complaint of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby and its disciplinary personnel." The statement also noted that the player has 48 hours from receipt of the written decision to appeal under World Rugby Regulation 17. World Rugby urged all individuals involved to be respectful, particularly on social media, and said a full written decision will be available in due course.
Player's Response and Next Steps
Aragon's fixture list is yet to be confirmed. He has the option to appeal the decision within 48 hours of receiving the written verdict. The case highlights rugby's ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and maintain the integrity of the sport.
