An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has convened to consider sanctions for Evan Minto (Wales), Sika Uamaki Pole (New Zealand) and Daniel Chico-Ayo (Spain) as a result of red cards issued to each player during the final match day of the World Rugby U20 Championship.

The FPRC was chaired by Philippe Cavalieros (France), joined by former players David Croft (Australia) and Jamie Corsi (Wales).

Evan Minto (Wales) has received a warning, while Sika Uamaki Pole (New Zealand) and Daniel Chico-Ayo (Spain) have been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme after a Foul Play Review Committee considered their respective red cards issued on the final day of the World Rugby U20 Championship 2025 in Italy.

A separate FPRC met to consider the red card issued to Pedro Rubiolo (Argentina) in the July international match between Argentina and Uruguay which was chaired by Mike Hamlin (England), joined by former international match official Valeriu Toma (Romania), and former player Olly Kohn (Wales).

In accordance with the remit of the new expedited off-field sanction process trial operational in the World Rugby U20 Championship and the July internationals in 2025, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance of 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

Evan Minto (Wales)

Wales’ Evan Minto was issued with a red card as a result of two yellow cards in Wales’ match against Italy at the Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo on 19 July, 2025.

The independent FPRC has issued a warning to Evan Minto after determining that sending off would be sufficient, noting that both of the yellow cards were for technical offences.

The player has accepted the sanction and is free to play with immediate effect.  

Sika Uamaki Pole (New Zealand),

New Zealand’s Sika Uamaki Pole was issued with a red card for a breach of Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) during New Zealand’s match against South Africa at Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo on 19 July, 2025.

The independent FPRC has confirmed a three-match suspension (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) to the player. The player accepted that his actions were reckless but did not accept they warranted a red card.

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

The sanction has been accepted by the player.

Sika Uamaki Pole is therefore suspended for the following matches:

  • 24 July, 2025 – Auckland NPC v Northland (Pre-season)
  • 31 July, 2025 – Auckland NPC v Waikato
  • 9 August, 2025 – Auckland B. v Northland or Auckland NPC v Canterbury* – he will be free to play in this match after his successful completion of the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme

Daniel Chico-Ayo (Spain)

Spain’s Daniel Chico-Ayo was issued with a red card for a breach of Law 9.20(a) (dangerous clearout) during Spain’s match against Ireland in Stadio San Michele, Calvisano on 19 July, 2025.

The independent FPRC has confirmed a three-match suspension (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) to the player. The player accepted that his actions were reckless though not deliberate.  

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

The sanction has been accepted by the player.

The exact fixtures to which the suspension will be applied once the player’s upcoming fixtures are finalised.

Pedro Rubiolo (Argentina)

World Rugby can confirm that a separate Foul Play Review Committee convened to consider the case of Argentina #5, Pedro Rubiolo for a red card issued during Argentina's July International fixture against Uruguay on 19 July, 2025 for a dangerous clearout pursuant to Law 9.20(a). The FPRC has decided to refer the matter to a Disciplinary Committee for a full disciplinary hearing.

The disciplinary hearing will take place on 22 July, 2025.

Read more about the expedited off-field sanction process here.

Visit World Rugby’s disciplinary hub here