World Rugby unable to identify perpetrators of racism at Argentina-England match

LONDON (AP) — World Rugby couldn't identify perpetrators of racism after receiving a complaint from England regarding abuse aimed at its players during a match in Argentina this month.

“While it is clear that an incident took place, we regret that the individuals responsible could not be identified,” World Rugby said Monday, adding that the Argentine federation “has developed an action plan to enhance their operations, educate fans and better prevent such unacceptable incidents from occurring again.”

Jack van Poortvliet’s last-gasp try earned England a 22-17 win over Argentina and another test series victory in Pumas country.

“We strongly condemn all acts of racism and stand in solidarity with the England Rugby players who felt aggrieved,” said Gabriel Travaglini, president of the Argentina Rugby Union.

“Upon learning of the incidents, intense efforts were made to identify the small group of five or seven individuals responsible within a crowd of over 20,000 spectators,” Travaglini added. “Unfortunately, despite an exhaustive search, it was not possible to identify the perpetrators. We will continue to work collaboratively with World Rugby to educate the fans and eradicate any similar manifestations in the future, ensuring that our events are spaces of respect and inclusion for everyone.”

__

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

England's players at the start of a rugby test match against Argentina in San Juan, Argentina, Saturday, July 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Nicolas Aguilera)

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A gas cylinder explosion early Sunday after a wedding reception at a home in Pakistan’s capital killed at least eight people, including the bride and groom, police and officials said.

The blast occurred as guests who had gathered to celebrate the couple were sleeping at the house, causing part of the house to collapse, according to the Islamabad police. Seven people were injured.

In a statement, police said the explosion occurred in a residential area in the heart of the city. A government administrator, Sahibzada Yousaf, said authorities were alerted about the blast early Sunday and officers are still investigating. He said some nearby homes were also damaged.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the victims’ families, according to a statement from his office. He directed health authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment and ordered a full investigation.

Many Pakistani households rely on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders because of low natural gas pressure, and such cylinders have been linked to deadly accidents caused by gas leaks. Police said investigations were ongoing.

Government officials survey the damage of a home caused by a gas cylinder explosion hours after a wedding reception, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Ehsan Shahzad)