Argentine striker and rugby stalwart Pablo Matera will be absent for the upcoming November match against Italy in Udine. This development follows a two-week suspension, a consequence of his red card during the last match of the Rugby Championship.

The incident, which occurred in the 56th minute, saw Matera sent off for a dangerous play against South African prop Vincent Koch, contributing to Argentina’s crushing 48-7 defeat to the Springboks in Nelspruit.

SANZAAR’s disciplinary committee clarified in its statement that Matera’s actions warranted a red card, leading to his suspension until November 10, 2024. Despite this setback, Matera is expected to be available for key matches against Ireland in Dublin and France to Paris later this month.

(With input from agencies.)