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This past weekend's international fixtures were the first to benefit from World Rugby’s new disciplinary process, which is being trialled throughout the July international test window, which includes the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
This past weekend's international fixtures were the first to benefit from World Rugby’s new disciplinary process, which is being trialled throughout the July international test window, which includes the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
World Rugby has labelled the trial process as ‘faster and simpler’ and the England XV v France XV match on Saturday, 21 June, which saw two players sent off with upgraded red cards, the first players to be exposed to these new trials. The new process was implemented following stakeholder feedback from Unions and International Rugby Players, and a Working Group agreed on the updated disciplinary framework.
The global governing body has said it will be rolled out to all World Rugby competitions and international tests where World Rugby is responsible for managing the disciplinary process.
The amendments of the off-field sanctioning process for Red Cards and/or Citings are intended to “ensure consistency, efficiency and transparency in the process and to harmonise the approach of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Swift decisions after international fixtures
Any appeals are heard shortly afterwards
Fans, players and coaches will benefit from a simpler, faster process
In the case of the England XV v France XV match, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) and Cameron Woki (France), the outcomes were already announced before the close of the weekend (see more below), with updates published by World Rugby.
As part of the expedited off-field sanction process in operation for the July internationals, the citing window is limited to 12 hours following the final whistle.
England #11, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, for a dangerous tackle pursuant to Law 9.13
France #21, Cameron Woki, for a dangerous clear-out pursuant to Law 9.20(a)
The new disciplinary process for any player who receives a red card or is cited is:
Stage 1: An Independent three-person Foul Play Review Committee will meet remotely within 24 hours of the final whistle of the match or match day to assess any relevant incidents and propose a sanction to the player. The incidents the committee will consider will be publicly confirmed by World Rugby ahead of the meeting.
Stage 2: A player can choose to accept or not accept the proposed sanction within a short timeframe.
Stage 3: Where the player does not accept the sanction, the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Committee, which will issue a final sanction. The Independent Disciplinary Committee's Hearing outcome will be published by World Rugby.
The Foul Play Review Committee may decide to refer matters to the Disciplinary Committee without having reached a decision. If the incident is serious and in cases of match official abuse, the player may appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Committee to an Appeal Committee.
When it comes to midweek fixtures (as will be the case for the British & Irish Lions tour):
The Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) will meet within 20 hours of the end of the match in question.
Should any Independent Disciplinary Committee hearings be required, they will take place within 48 hours of the final whistle. The citing window in all cases will be shortened to 12 hours after the final whistle.
Both Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) and Cameron Woki (France) were initially yellow-carded in the fixture, which was under review from the TMO, and were then upgraded to 20-minute red cards at the Allianz Stadium on 21 June 2025.
Following the new process, it was determined that Immanuel Feyi-Waboso would be suspended for two matches, subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme. The sanction has been accepted by the Player. This means he will miss the England vs Argentina matches on 5 and 12 July, but could be eligible for the England vs USA fixture on 19 July if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention programme.
Cameron Woki will face a disciplinary committee on Tuesday, 24 June, after a Foul Play Review Committee referred the matter for a full disciplinary hearing.
In accordance with the remit of the new expedited off-field sanction process trial operational in the July test window, sanctions are proposed in line with Appendix 1 of Regulation 17. The FPRC met without the attendance of the Player or their representatives, or World Rugby. But 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 or 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
World Rugby publishes its full findings and rulings of player disciplinary decisions here.
With a very busy mid-year test window, it will be interesting to follow the processes and the outcomes and if the players, teams, and fans are in favour of the changes.