Matera sacked, two others stood down for Pumas
THREE weeks after guiding his nation to one of the biggest upsets in Test history, the Tri Nations has been rocked by the announcement that Pablo Matera has been sacked as captain, Argentina Rugby Union announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Matera, as well as two other senior players Guido Petti and Santiago Socino, look also set to miss the Tri Nations finale against the Wallabies on Saturday at Bankwest Stadium for xenophobic comments made on Twitter in 2011 and 2013.
“The Argentine Rugby Union strongly repudiates the discriminatory and xenophobic comments published by members of the Los Pumas team on social networks and meeting urgently, the Board of Directors resolves: First, revoke Pablo Matera’s captaincy and request the staff to propose a new captain to the Board of Directors,” a Argentina Rugby Union statement read.
“Second, suspend Pablo Matera, Guido Petti and Santiago Socino from the national team until their disciplinary situation is defined.
The Wallabies were told by reporters of the breaking news at their regular press conference on Tuesday.
Brumbies captain and Wallabies regular Allan Alaalatoa said the absence of Matera would be felt, but added that the playing group would look to do their country proud despite the controversy.
“That’s the first that we’ve heard of it,” Alaalatoa said.
“Pablo being their captain it’s going to be a huge loss. I’m unsure whether he’s just lost his captaincy or whether he’s not going to play, but I’m sure all three of those boys will play a vital role in their preparation. Probably their squad will look to use it as more of a motivation to do those boys proud. That’s the first time we’ve heard about it but thinking about it now I’m sure those boys will try to do their country proud.”