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UAR takes action after captain's comments

DISCIPLINE: Pablo Matera must complete an educational course before he can play again for the Pumas or resume the Test captaincy, the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) has announced.

Flanker Matera was stripped of the captaincy and suspended, along with lock Guido Petti and hooker Santiago Socino, after racist social media comments posted between 2011 and 2013 emerged.

They came to light while the players were on national duty in Australia at the Tri-Nations tournament earlier this month, with the trio stood down for the final match.

The UAR said their disciplinary committee had completed a four-week investigation which  included statements from the players, coaches and key witnesses.

It also took into account the time that had elapsed since the offences.

In his apology, Matera described himself as an “immature boy” at the time and that the posts didn’t “represent his values”.

The UAR said the trio must participate in a six-hour course, over three days. 

They must also record a video with educational content on “discriminatory stereotypes and prejudices”, which will be used as a resource for the players.

Matera, currently playing club rugby in France, won’t be endorsed by the UAR as captain until these sanctions are complete.

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