Randall Baker (New Zealand) has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme, and George Timmins (England) has been suspended for five matches after a Foul Play Review Committee considered their respective citing and red card issued during the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy on 29 June, 2025.
An Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has convened to consider sanctions for Randall Baker (New Zealand) and George Timmins (England). Baker received a red card during the England v Scotland match in the World Rugby U20 Championship match at the Payanini Center in Verona while Randall Baker was cited for a dangerous clear out pursuant to Law 9.20(a) in New Zealand’s match against Italy in the U20 Championship match at the Stadio San Michele in Calvisano.
The FPRC was chaired by Adam Casselden SC (Australia), joined by former international referee, Donal Courtney (Ireland), and former international player David Croft (Australia).
In accordance with the remit of the new expedited off-field sanction process trial operational in the World Rugby U20 Championship, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC meets without the attendance the player or their representatives, or World Rugby. However, written submissions may be provided by the player to the FPRC for consideration.
The FPRC has the power to:
- Issue a warning
- Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 1 of Regulation 17
- Refer the matter for a full hearing before a Disciplinary Committee
- Dismiss the red card and/or citings only in the case of mistaken identity
Randall Baker (New Zealand)
The independent FPRC has confirmed a three-match suspension (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) to New Zealand’s Randall Baker after determining an action contrary to Law 9.20(a) (dangerous clear out) during the New Zealand match against Italy on 29 June, 2025. The sanction has been accepted by the player.
In determining the sanction, the FPRC reviewed the matter, including all submissions and footage, determined that Baker’s actions were contrary to Law 9.20(a) (dangerous clear out), in that he made direct head contact, and the action carried a high degree of danger with no available mitigation.
Applying World Rugby’s mandatory mid-range entry point, the FPRC decided to propose a three-match suspension, reduced to two matches subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme. The player has accepted the sanction.
Baker is therefore suspended for the following matches:
- 4 July, 2025 New Zealand v Georgia (U20 Championship)
- 9 July, 2025 – New Zealand v Italy (U20 Championship)
- 14 July, 2025 – New Zealand v TBC (U20 Championship)– should he apply for and successfully complete the Coaching Intervention Sanction Mitigation programme, he will be free to play in this match
George Timmins
The independent Foul Play Review Committee has confirmed a five-match suspension to England’s George Timmins after determining an action contrary to Law 9.12 (striking with the elbow) during the England match against Scotland on 29 June, 2025. The sanction has been accepted by the player.
The FPRC decided that the correct entry point for the offending was top end. In reaching their decision, the Committee considered, amongst other factors, the deliberate actions of the player, the vulnerable position of the victim player on the ground, and the victim player suffering an injury to his face which required stiches.
Having applied mitigation, the FPRC proposed sanction was reduced to five matches. The player is therefore suspended for the following matches:
- 4 July, 2025 – England v South Africa (U20 Championship)
- 9 July, 2025 – England v Australia (U20 Championship)
- 14 July, 2025 – England v TBC (U20 Championship)
- 19 July, 2025 – England v TBC (U20 Championship)
- 6 September, 2025 – Bath v Glasgow (Pre-season)
Read more about the expedited off-field sanction process here.
Visit World Rugby’s disciplinary hub here.
