An independent Disciplinary Committee has imposed a one-match suspension and issued a formal warning as to future conduct on Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada for comments criticising match officials following Italy’s defeat to New Zealand in last weekend’s Nations Championship match.
In line with the remit of the Match Official Abuse Sanction Process, Quesada was originally issued with a two-match automatic suspension for criticism aimed at match officials following Italy’s match. Quesada opted to formally refer the matter to an independent committee for a full misconduct hearing.
Having considered submissions from Quesada and his representatives, as well as from World Rugby, the committee, comprising Jennifer Donovan (Ireland), Wang Shao-Ing (Singapore), and Valeriu Toma (Romania), determined that the threshold for misconduct had been met.
With respect to the sanction, having taken into account all aspects of the case, including the written and oral submissions made by Quesada, his private written apology to the referee upon reflection on the comments he had made, and his acceptance that his actions fell short of the standard expected of someone in his position, the committee determined that a one-match suspension (a reduction of one match) was appropriate along with a public apology and a formal warning as to future conduct. The suspension applies with immediate effect, meaning Quesada will miss Italy's Nations Championship match against Australia in Perth on 18 July.
The Match Official Abuse Sanction Process was introduced to complement Regulation 18 and provide a clearer and more consistent framework for addressing public criticism of match officials, particularly where such comments may contribute to wider online abuse. Developed by a cross-game working group, it reflects a shared commitment across unions and World Rugby about the importance of supporting and protecting match officials.
