England players racially abused during Argentina Test, says World Rugby

England’s rugby players were subjected to racial abuse during their second Test victory over Argentina in San Juan on 12 July, officials have confirmed.

The incident occurred as England’s replacements warmed up in the first half. A complaint was lodged to governing body World Rugby, which investigated the matter through witness statements and video analysis.

“While it is clear that an incident took place, we regret that the individuals responsible could not be identified,” said World Rugby in a statement.

England’s seven replacements for the match included Curtis Langdon, Beven Rodd, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Chandler Cunningham-South, Guy Pepper, Alex Dombrandt, Jack van Poortvliet and Cadan Murley.

UAR: ‘Strong condemnation of racism’

Gabriel Travaglini, president of the Union Argentina de Rugby (UAR), expressed his regret:

“Intense efforts were made to identify the small group of five or seven individuals responsible within a crowd of over 20,000 spectators.

Unfortunately, despite an exhaustive search, it was not possible to identify the perpetrators. We strongly condemn all acts of racism and stand in solidarity with the England rugby players who felt aggrieved.”

Travaglini added the UAR will work with World Rugby to educate fans.

Past incidents in Argentine sport

This is not the first time Argentine sport has faced allegations of racism:

• In 2020, players Pablo Matera and Guido Petti were suspended after historic racist social media posts resurfaced.

• In 2024, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez apologised after being filmed joining in with a discriminatory chant targeting France’s black and mixed-race footballers.

World Rugby: ‘Rugby stands with England players’

World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson condemned the abuse:

“We offer our full support to the players involved and want them to know that rugby stands with them in opposing racism. I applaud their courage in raising what must have been a highly distressing experience.”

On the field: England enjoy unbeaten summer tour

England went on to defeat the United States 40-5 in Washington DC on Saturday, completing a clean sweep of three wins from three matches on their summer tour.