World Player of the Year BANNED heading into Paris Olympics following horror challenge during Madrid SVNS

Current World Sevens Player of the Year Rodrigo Isgro has reportedly been handed a five match ban after receiving a red card in the final of the Madrid SVNS last Saturday.

The tackle in question caused a stir amongst the rugby world, as Isgro was seen to tip and drive Paulin Riva past the horizonal and onto the top of his back/lower neck, with most claiming the tackle to be dangerous and worthy of the straight red it received.

Spear tackle in final match of the SVNS pic.twitter.com/dTYxSC9H1F

— Jack Tunney (@JackTunneyRugby) June 3, 2024

According to Buenos Aires newspaper, La Nacion, Isgro will be missing the majority of this summer’s Olympics after the challenge:

“Following a judicial hearing, a panel started a sanction at 10 games but reduced it by half. The Argentine Rugby Union can appeal.

“A five-game ban means Argentina would have to reach the Olympic medal games for Isgro to possibly play. Five games removes him from the pool round, the quarterfinals and semifinals.”

Fans have generally been accepting of the sanction, with one person saying: “Driving players into the ground has been a no no for long time. It is flagrant, dangerous and he knew exactly what he was doing. Lucky he doesn’t get longer, disgraceful it was cut in half.”

Another replied: “Oh man I just watched it and that was a terrible foul. I don’t think five games is enough. Isgro is lucky that Riva isn’t crippled.”