Stefan Buruiana (Romania) has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme, and Cristobal Game (Chile) has been suspended for eight matches reduced to seven after a Foul Play Review Committee considered their respective red card and citing issued during the July international match between Chile and Romania on 5 July, 2025.

An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has convened to consider sanctions for Stefan Buruiana (Romania) and Cristobal Game (Chile). Buruiana received a red card for a dangerous clear out pursuant to Law 9.20(a) during the Chile v Romania match at Estadio Nacional in Santiago, while Game was cited for a dangerous tackle pursuant to Law 9.11 (leading with the elbow/forearm) in the same fixture.

The FPRC was chaired by Independent Judicial Panel Chairman Christopher Quinlan KC, joined by former international players, Bogdan Zebega (Romania) and Martyn Wood (England).

In accordance with the remit of the new expedited off-field sanction process trial operational in the July internationals, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance the player or their representatives, or World Rugby. However, written submissions may be provided by the player to the FPRC for consideration.

The FPRC has the power to:

  • Issue a warning
  • Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17
  • Refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee
  • Dismiss the red card and/or citings only in the case of mistaken identity

Stefan Buruiana (Romania)

The independent FPRC has confirmed a three-match suspension (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) to Romania’s Stefan Buruiana after determining an action contrary to Law 9.20(a) (dangerous clear out) during the Chile v Romania match on 5 July, 2025. The sanction has been accepted by the player.

In determining the sanction, the FPRC reviewed the matter, including all submissions and footage, determined that Buruiana's actions were contrary to Law 9.20(a) (dangerous clear out), in that he made direct head contact, and the action carried a high degree of danger with no available mitigation.

Applying World Rugby’s mandatory mid-range entry point, the FPRC decided to propose a three-match suspension, reduced to two matches subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme. The player has accepted the sanction.

Baker is therefore suspended for the following matches:

  1. Uruguay v Romania - 12 July, 2025 (International).
  2. Argentina XV v Romania - 18 July, 2025 (International).
  3. SC Albi v Carcassonne - 1 August, 2025 (Pre-Season)* – he will be free to play in this match after his successful completion of the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme

Cristobal Game (Chile)

The independent Foul Play Review Committee has confirmed an eight-match suspension (reduced to seven on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) to Chile's Cristobal Game after determining an action contrary to Law 9.11 (leading with the forearm/elbow) during the Chile v Romania match on Saturday, 5 July, 2025. The sanction has been accepted by the player.

The FPRC decided that the correct entry point for the offending was top end (ten matches). In reaching their decision, the Committee considered, amongst other factors, the high level of danger, lack of an attempt to wrap and the serious injury caused to the victim player.

Having applied mitigation, the FPRC proposed sanction was reduced to eight matches. The player is therefore suspended for the following matches:

  1. Old Macks v Old Johns - 12 July, 2025 (local season)
  2. Brazil v Chile - 19 July, 2025 (international)
  3. Chile v Brazil - 26 July, 2025 (international)
  4. Old Johns v Cda - 2 August, 2025 (local season)
  5. Pwcc v Old Johns - 9 August, 2025 (local season)
  6. Old Jons v Old Boys - 23 August, 2025 (local season)
  7. TBC
  8. TBC* - he will be free to play in this match after his successful completion of the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme

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