It is understood that World Rugby will not be investigating Italy rugby over the understood ineligibility of legendary Argentinian-born prop Martin Castrogiovanni.
We reported last week on Castrogiovanni's remarkable revelations in an interview with Rugby Champagne, where he revealed that it was not in fact his grandfather who was Italian-born but his great-grandfather, which meant he would have been ineligible for Italy when he made his debut in 2001.
However, no formal complaint has been made to World Rugby, and it is likely that the matter will not be taken any further.
This has caused some controversy, given Spain's recent disqualification from the 2023 World Cup over fielding an ineligible player.
It also brought back memories of the controversy surrounding the Welsh rugby team, known as Grannygate, in the early 2000's. Similarly, it was revealed that the grandfather of New Zealander Shane Howarth, who won 19 caps for Wales, was not in fact born in Wales. World Rugby, then known as the IRB, did not take any action.
Seeing a lot of criticism over this, with people comparing it to the Spain debacle.
But considering Wales received no formal sanction for Grannygate, and Castrogiovanni’s debut came two years later, is this really that outrageous to some? https://t.co/4TOn7ID3i2— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) August 9, 2022
READ MORE: World Rugby : Legendary Italian Prop Reveals He Was Ineligible For His Country During His Career
You can read Castrogiovanni's revelation below.
"Grandpa Castro was born in Argentina, his name was José María. The one who was Italian was my great-grandfather, Ángel, who was born in Sicily, in Franco Forte.
"When I was in Calvisano, Italy, I was called to play my second year of U21 for Los Pumitas. It was amazing, Graco [Argentinian rugby coach] spoke to me. But in Italy they noticed and they invited me to go with them to the M21 and then join the senior team, we went with Sergio Parisse. He called me John Kirwan, who was the New Zealand coach. I finished the Tour with the U21 and joined the major."
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