World Rugby confirmed on 16 July 2026 an automatic two-match suspension for Gonzalo Quesada, head coach of the Italian national rugby team, following comments about match officiating. The sanction arises from the new Match Official Abuse Sanction Process, the disciplinary framework introduced this year to tackle abuse of match officials.
The ban covers Italy's next two matches and prohibits Quesada from all match-day activity, including being present in the stadium. It relates to remarks made on a television broadcast — and subsequently reported — after the Nations Championship Test against New Zealand on 11 July in Wellington, a match Italy lost 17-47.
The new process, agreed at the recent Shape of the Game forum and operating from July, applies to all international fixtures with World Rugby-appointed officials, including the Junior World Championship, WXV, the Nations Cup and the Nations Championship itself. An independent panel assesses whether a team's comments alleged bias, prejudice or improper motive, or otherwise risked undermining public confidence in officials. Outcomes range from no further action to a guidance letter, formal warning or automatic sanction.
