Italy international cleared of eye-gouge ban - free to play this weekend

Wednesday, 15 April 2026 at 14:05

byTom Sansom

Zebre Parma and Italy international winger Simone Gesi is eligible to return to action in the United Rugby Championship this weekend, after serving a two-match suspension for an act of foul play in a match against Ulster Rugby back in March.

The 24-year-old was shown a red card by referee Craig Evans during Zebre’s Round 14 clash with Ulster Rugby on March 28 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, after making contact with the eye area of Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey during a maul.

Gesi was immediately provisionally suspended and subsequently missed Zebre’s EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures against Section Paloise and Dragons RFC.

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At a disciplinary hearing this week, the five-cap Italy international accepted that he had committed an act of foul play warranting a red card. The panel—comprising Neil Snellenburg SC (South Africa), Sibonile Khoza (South Africa) and Beth Dickens (Scotland)—confirmed the offence met the red card threshold at the low-end entry point of four weeks.

However, mitigating factors including Gesi’s apology, clean disciplinary record and conduct throughout proceedings saw the sanction reduced by 50%, resulting in a two-week suspension which he has now completed.

The URC confirmed that the player was ineligible during the provisional suspension period in line with competition regulations, which also covered Zebre’s match against Pau on April 5.

With his ban served, Gesi is now free to return to selection as Zebre travel to face Edinburgh Rugby in Friday’s URC restart.

The ruling brings closure to a disciplinary process that temporarily sidelined one of Italy’s emerging back-three talents, with Zebre now able to reintegrate the winger into their squad for the run-in.

Fixtures Simone Gesi was unavailable for:

Zebre Parma v Pau, Sunday April 5, EPCR Challenge CupZebre Parma v Dragons RFC, Saturday April 11, EPCR Challenge Cup

A statement from the URC Disciplinary team read:

The Player was provisionally suspended on 28 March 2026 pending the outcome of the disciplinary hearing. As a result the Zebre Parma v Pau match on 5 April 2026 was taken into consideration by the committee as part of the two game suspension.

Pursuant to clause 7.2.4 of the URC Disciplinary Rules, a Player may not play rugby union (or enter the Playing Enclosure in any capacity, including as a water carrier or tee carrier, at any time on the day of a Match) pending the resolution of an outstanding case by the Disciplinary Committee.

5 QUICK FACTS: SIMONE GESI

1. Zebre breakout winger: Gesi has scored 29 tries in 56 appearances for Zebre Parma, establishing himself as one of their most dangerous finishers in the URC.

2. Rapid rise through Italian pathways: He progressed through Italy U17, U18 and U20s before moving into Italy A and the senior national setup within just a few seasons.

3. Top-level debut in 2023 Six Nations: He made his Italy Test debut against Scotland in the 2023 Six Nations, marking his arrival on the international stage.

4. Former Top10 MVP: Before becoming a URC regular, he was named the MVP of Italy’s Top10 domestic league, highlighting his early scoring impact in senior rugby.

5. Sevens international experience: Alongside XVs rugby, Gesi has also represented Italy in Rugby Sevens, adding another dimension to his skillset and speed development.