Chile defeated Uruguay 33-12 Saturday in the opening match of the Americas Rugby Championship at CAP stadium in Talcahuano.
The Chilean side established an early advantage and maintained it throughout the encounter. The score reached 21-12 in Chile's favor when a significant incident altered the match's course.
At the 52-minute mark, Uruguay's Joaquín Myszka executed an illegal tackle on Chile's Emilio Shea without the ball and without using his arms. The tackle caused a severe knee injury to Shea, who was unable to continue playing.
Argentine referee Federico Longobardi called both captains—Lucas Bianchi of Uruguay and Clemente Saavedra of Chile—to address the infraction. Myszka received a red card for the illegal tackle. During the referee's conversation with the captains, the two team leaders exchanged insults, which escalated when other players intervened.
A mass brawl ensued involving players from both teams, featuring pushing, strikes, and physical confrontations. Three players were sent off with red cards as a result of the incident. Both captains, Bianchi and Saavedra, were expelled from the match.
Chile continued to extend its lead following the disturbance, ultimately securing the 33-12 victory to open their Americas Rugby Championship campaign.
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