Junior Bok star learns fate following red card in JWC semifinal

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Junior Bok utility back Luan Giliomee has learnt his fate after receiving a red card in the Junior World Championship semifinal against England.

*Also read: Junior Boks without key player for World Championship Final

World Rugby confirmed the following disciplinary decisions as a result of five red cards from the World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026 matches on July 12 and 13.

Giliomee (South Africa) has had his red card rescinded following a referral by the Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) for a full disciplinary hearing.

Alfie Booth (USA) has been suspended for two matches, reduced to one on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention

Luke Evans (Wales) has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention

Seb Kelly (England) has been suspended for six matches

Harry Waters (Ireland) has been suspended for three matches, reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention

A Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC), chaired by Simon Thomas (Wales), joined by former players Martyn Wood (England) and Ruhan Straeuli (South Africa), convened to consider the red cards issued to Alfie Booth for an action contrary to Law 9.15 (pushing, charging, obstructing opponent not in possession of the ball), Luke Evans for an action contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackling), Seb Kelly for an action contrary to Law 9.12 (striking with the head), Harry Waters for an action contrary to Law 9.16 (charging no attempt to grasp), and Luan Giliomee for an offence contrary to Law 9.17 (contact in the air).

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 of 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

Luan Giliomee (South Africa)

In respect of the red card issued to Luan Giliomee, the FPRC decided to refer the matter to a Disciplinary Committee for a full hearing, which took place on Thursday, July 16 2026. The committee was chaired by Helen Morgan (New Zealand), joined by former players Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) and Christopher Morgan (Wales).

Having considered all available evidence and the player’s submissions, the committee decided that the incident did not involve foul play and therefore they decided to dismiss the red card. The player is free to play with immediate effect.

Alfie Booth (USA)

In determining the sanction for Alfie Booth, the FPRC found the player had recklessly used his shoulder on an opponent off the ball, making direct contact with his opponent’s head. On that basis, the FPRC decided that the red card was warranted and proposed a mid-range sanction (four matches) and awarded full mitigation, resulting in a sanction of two matches (reduced to one on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention).

The player has accepted the sanction and is therefore suspended for the following matches:

July 17: USA U20 v Uruguay U20
September 19: Mount St Mary’s v Southern Virginia University *

*The player may become available to play in this match subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.

Luke Evans (Wales)

In determining the sanction for Luke Evans, the FPRC found the player made a reckless upright tackle with a high degree of danger, resulting in forceful and direct contact to the head of his opponent. On that basis, the FPRC decided that the red card was warranted and proposed a mid-range sanction (six matches) and awarded full mitigation, resulting in a sanction of three matches (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention).

The player has accepted the sanction and is therefore suspended for the following matches:

July 17: Scotland U20 v Wales U20
September 5: Exeter Chiefs v Scarlets
September 19: Exeter Chiefs v Cardiff*

* The player may become available to play in this match subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.

Seb Kelly (England)

In determining the sanction for Seb Kelly, the FPRC found that the player struck his opponent, who was on the ground in a vulnerable position, with his head. On that basis, the FPRC decided that the red card was warranted and proposed a mid-range sanction (10 matches) and did not award full mitigation, resulting in a sanction of six matches.

The player has accepted the sanction and is therefore suspended for the following matches:

July 18: New Zealand U20 v England U20
September 6: Premiership Rugby Cup R1
September 12: Premiership Rugby Cup R2
September 19: Sale FC v Bury St Edmonds
September 26: Premiership Rugby R1 / Sale FC v Tonbridge
October 3: Premiership Rugby R2 / Sale FC v Leeds

Harry Waters (Ireland)

In determining the sanction for Harry Waters, the FPRC found that the player had recklessly charged his opponent with a high degree of danger, making direct forceful contact with his head, knocking him to the ground. On that basis, the FPRC decided that the red card was warranted and proposed a mid-range sanction (six matches) and awarded full mitigation, resulting in a sanction of three matches (reduced to two on successful completion of the Coaching Intervention).

The player has accepted the sanction and is therefore suspended for the following matches:

July 18: Italy U20 v Ireland U20
September 26: Blackrock College RFC v MU Barnhall RFC (AIL)
October 3: University College Cork RFC v Blackrock College RFC*

* The player may become available to play in this match subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention.