World Rugby can confirm the following disciplinary decisions as a result of two red cards and a citing from the World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026 round three matches on Tuesday, 7 July.

  • Benjamin Yujnovsky (Argentina) has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention
  • Jayden Williams (USA) has been suspended for three matches
  • Charlie Molony (Ireland) has had his red card overturned by a disciplinary committee following a full de novo hearing

A Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC), chaired by Richard Cole (Wales), joined by former international players Leon Lloyd (England) and Ofisa Tonu’u (New Zealand), convened to consider the red cards issued to Benjamin Yujnovsky for an action contrary to Law 9.20(a) (charging into a ruck or maul), and Charlie Molony for an action contrary to Law 9.17 (contact in the air). The committee also considered the citing issued to Jayden Williams for an action contrary to Laws 9.20(d)/ 9.20(e) (dangerous play in a ruck or maul). 

In accordance with the remit of the expedited off-field sanction process trial, 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:

  • Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 4 of Regulation 17
  • 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

Benjamin Yujnovsky (Argentina)

In determining the sanction for Benjamin Yujnovsky, the FPRC found that the clearout was dangerous with no attempt to wrap, he made contact with the head of the England player who was in a vulnerable position. On that basis the FPRC decided that the red card was warranted and proposed a mid-range sanction (six matches) and awarded full mitigation resulting in a sanction of three matches (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention).

The player has accepted the sanction and is therefore suspended for the following matches:

  • 12 July 2026 - Argentina U20 v Scotland U20
  • 18 July 2026 - Argentina U20 v TBC 
  • 25 July 2026 – Club Los Caranchos v Duendes RC*

*The player may become available to play in this match subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.

Jayden Williams (USA)

In determining the sanction for Jayden Williams, the FPRC found that his actions in the ruck were reckless, In executing a croc roll, the victim player sustained an injury as a result of the action and on that basis the FPRC upheld the citing. The committee found that the appropriate entry point was that of mid range (six matches) and with full mitigation proposed a three-match sanction.

The player has accepted the sanction and is therefore suspended for the following matches:

  • 12 July 2026 - Japan U20 v USA U20
  • 17 July 2026 - USA U20 v TBC 
  • TBC 

Charlie Molony (Ireland)

In respect of the red card issued to Charlie Molony, the FPRC decided to refer the matter to a disciplinary committee for a full hearing, which took place on Thursday, 9 July, 2026. The committee was chaired by Richard Whittam KC (England), joined by Valeriu Toma (Romania) and Olly Kohn (Wales).

Having considered all available evidence and the player’s submissions, the committee decided that the incident did not involve foul play and therefore they decided to dismiss the red card. The player is free to play with immediate effect.