Argentina’s Galarza given nine-week ban

Argentina will appeal against the ban on Mariano Galarza for an incident with All Black Brodie Retallick which rules him out of the rest of the tournament, insisting the Puma lock is innocent.

Argentina will be without second row Mariano Galarza for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup after he was suspended for nine weeks.

The 28-year-old was found guilty of making contact “with the eye or eye area” of Retallick at Wembley and he now has until Friday to decide whether to appeal the decision. Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from Retallick, the player and submissions from his representatives, the Judicial Officer Christopher Quinlan QC (England) upheld the citing on the basis that the player had committed the act of foul play.

Earlier, Galarza was suspended for 13 weeks by the match officials but was later reduced to 9 weeks following Galarza’s “excellent disciplinary record” over the years.

Galarza’s suspension took effect immediately, leaving the Pumas with only three recognised locks, one of whom, Guido Petti, misses the Georgia match after a head knock sustained in scoring Argentina’s try on Sunday.

The ban extends past the World Cup and will stop Galarza playing for his English club side Gloucester until November 26.

In a statement, Rugby World Cup Limited said: “Galarza denied the act of foul play”.

The Gloucester player has 48 hrs to respond to his suspension, after which the ban will be confirmed.