Junior Bok star Giliomee cleared to face France in final after red card overturned

By SABC Sport
17th July 2026

Junior Springbok fullback Luan Giliomee has been cleared to play in Saturday's U20 World Championship final against France after his red card from the semi-final victory over England was dismissed.

Giliomee was sent off during the defending champions' 32-22 win in Tbilisi on Monday for an aerial challenge on England fullback George Pearson.

The incident was reviewed by a three-person disciplinary panel, which included former Springbok wing Stefan Terblanche, after World Rugby's Foul Play Review Committee referred the matter for a full hearing.

"The FPRC decided to refer the matter to a disciplinary committee for a full hearing, which took place on Thursday, 16 July 2026," World Rugby said.

"The committee was chaired by Helen Morgan [New Zealand], joined by former players Stefan Terblanche [South Africa] and Christopher Morgan [Wales].

"Having considered all available evidence and the player's submissions, the committee decided that the incident did not involve foul play and therefore they decided to dismiss the red card.

"The player is free to play with immediate effect."

The ruling means Giliomee is available for selection as the Junior Boks attempt to defend their title against France at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi on Saturday.

The 20-year-old utility back's rapid rise has been one of the standout stories in South African rugby in 2026. In just a few months, he earned a call-up to the Blitzboks, made his senior debut for the Sharks in the URC, represented the Junior Springboks, and featured for South Africa 'A'.