World Rugby implements new Match Official Abuse Sanction Process

World Rugby has introduced a new Match Official Abuse Sanction Process, effective July, covering all international rugby fixtures involving World Rugby-appointed officials. Italy Head Coach Gonzalo Quesada has become one of the first to receive a sanction under the new process, receiving an automatic two-match suspension for comments regarding match officiating. The process, agreed at the Shape of The Game forum, targets conduct such as allegations of bias or improper motive against officials, assessed by an independent judicial panel.