This is one of the most shocking moments ever captured on a rugby field. Bruno Andres Doglioli savagely blindsided a female referee, and his three-year ban has now been extended to life.
Player relationships with referees in rugby is usually a great point of reference for sports fans. It is often lauded as being the benchmark for how players should treat match officials, with respect and politeness. But this video couldn't be further from it.
Doglioli, of Vicenza Rangers, completely blindsided referee Maria Beatrice Benvenuti for no apparent reason in the middle of an Italian-Argentine rugby game. Surprisingly, Doglioli was actually captain of the team. The other Vicenza players looked on in disbelief as referee Benvenuti was left with a heavy dose of whiplash.
Despite the intent being clear on video replays, the referee was completely unaware the hit was unashamedly deliberate, and carried on to complete the game with no punishment administered. It wasn't until after the match did she seek medical attention for a neck injury.
Doglioli was later handed a three-year ban and Vicenza suspended him without pay. However, he has since been given a lifetime ban from rugby after the incident in 2016.
