England filed an official complaint with World Rugby after the players were racist abused by spectators during their victory in Argentina in San Juan on July 12, but the perpetrator could not be identified, the Global Governing Body said Monday.
The RFU filed a complaint on July 15, World Rugby said in a statement, adding that an immediate investigation has been launched, including a witness statement and video analysis.
“It’s clear that the incident happened, but I regret not being able to identify the person responsible,” World Rugby said.
“There is no rugby or association for discrimination, abuse, hate speech. Discrimination complaints are taken very seriously by rugby around the world.”
World Rugby Chair’s Brett Robinson condemned the incident.
“We want them to provide full support to the players involved and know that they are standing with them that rugby is opposed to racism. I commend the courage that must have been a very disastrous experience,” he said.
Argentine Rugby Union President Gabriel Trabaglini also condemned the incident, saying “groups of five to seven individuals” were responsible for the abuse.
Over 20,000 spectators were in Estadio Vicentenario as England sealed a 2-0 victory in the two-match Test series.
“Unfortunately, despite a thorough search, it was impossible to identify the perpetrator,” Trabaglini said.
“We work with rugby around the world to educate our fans, eradicate similar symptoms in the future, and ensure that our events are a space of respect and inclusion for all.”
English Rugby CEO Bill Sweeney also denounced the abuse.
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“All players have the right to represent the country freely from discrimination and abuse, with pride and dignity. We were in close contact with the affected players and provided full support to them,” he said.
“We are pleased to see World Rugby act quickly and investigate and appreciate full cooperation and support throughout. We believe in taking necessary steps to prevent such unacceptable behavior from recurring.”
In 2020, UAR stripped off captain Pablo Matera, and two other players from Argentina’s last Torinations clashed with Australia after Flanker allegedly released a discriminatory and xenophobic post a few years ago.