World Rugby has issued an update after a Foul Play Review Committee met to consider red cards awarded to Portugal players Manuel Vareiro and Pedro Vicente during the World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 match against the USA on 4 July.
Manuel Vareiro (Portugal)
Manuel Vareiro (Portugal) has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two pending successful completion of the Coaching Intervention, as a result of an action contrary to Law 9.11(dangerous play - striking/kicking) during the World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 match against USA on 4 July.
A Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) chaired by Wang Shao-Ing (Singapore), joined by former players Jamie Corsi (Wales) and Leon Lloyd (England) considered the matter.
In accordance with the remit of the expedited off-field sanction process trial, 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:
- Offer the player a proposed sanction based on Appendix 4 of Regulation 17
- 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
In determining the sanction, the FPRC found that having made contact with the USA player's face, his actions were reckless as the player extended his leg in an unnatural manner and made contact which was avoidable. There was direct contact with considerable force. The committee therefore found that this warranted the mandatory mid-range sanction for contact with the head of six matches. The committee considered the player's disciplinary record and experience and decided to award the player full mitigation, reducing the sanction to three matches. The player may apply for the Coaching Intervention for sanction mitigation which would reduce his sanction to two matches.
The player has accepted the sanction and is therefore suspended for the following matches:
- Nations Cup - Canada v Portugal - 11 July, 2026
- Nations Cup - Tonga v Portugal - 18 July, 2026
- TBC - Player plays in ProD2 for Provence*
*Subject to the successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.
Pedro Vicente (Portugal)
Pedro Vicente will face a full de novo disciplinary hearing in front of a disciplinary committee following a consideration of his red card for an offence contrary to Law 9.11 (dangerous play - stamping) during the World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 match against USA on 4 July.
The disciplinary hearing will take place on 7 July, 2026.
Read more about the expedited off-field sanction process here.
Visit World Rugby’s disciplinary hub here.
