England’s rugby players have warned they may walk off the pitch during Saturday’s match against Argentina if any racist abuse is repeated. Captain Jamie George said the team has discussed contingency plans, including leaving the field, following incidents last year when black players were targeted.
During England’s last visit to Argentina in July 2023, Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Chandler Cunningham-South were subjected to racist slurs from home supporters during the warm-up and first half of the second Test. World Rugby confirmed a complaint was lodged, but the individual perpetrators could not be identified.
George emphasised that any repeat would prompt “the strongest of reactions”. “There is no place for racism in the world and I feel incredibly strongly about that,” he said. “We’ve had discussions around ‘What if?’ but the Argentine Rugby Union have said they have done everything possible to prevent it. We have trust in that, but we also have a plan B.”
The England captain has been consulting his black teammates to ensure a unified response. “I’m a white player and I’ve never had to experience anything like that. It’s my responsibility to protect the players,” he added. Head coach Steve Borthwick fully supports the stance, saying discrimination has no place in rugby or society.
England face a potentially hostile atmosphere after the recent World Cup football semi-final between the two countries. George is urging his team to finish their summer campaign strongly, despite a demanding schedule. “It’s tough to beat Argentina in Argentina, but that would be a big statement,” he said.
