England could leave if faced with ethnic persecution in Argentina

Captain Jamie George says England are considering leaving the pitch if any of their players are racially abused against Argentina on Saturday.

Last year’s win in San Juan was damaged by abuse England targets substitutes Asher Opoku-Fordjor and Chandler Cunningham-South.

Governing body World Rugby condemned the incident but could not identify any perpetrators.

The last meeting between the sides ended in a heated exchange in November, with Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi calling out England flanker Tom Curry. A “rapist“Who swore at him and pushed him into the Allianz Stadium tunnel.

Add a to the mixture Lionel Messi inspired comeback Wednesday is the semi-final of the football World Cup and it promises a spirited atmosphere In Santiago del Estero In northern Argentina.

George, who is captaining the team with Maro Itoje rested, said leaving the field of play is an option if any abuse occurs again.

He said: “It’s something that’s being considered. If something like that happens, it deserves the strongest response. It has no place in the world and I feel incredibly strongly about it.

“We asked ‘what if?’ I have discussed. I really hope – and I hope – that the Argentine Rugby Union takes this very seriously. At the same time we’ve got a plan B if that doesn’t happen.

“What we want to do is make the referee aware of what we saw so it can be properly logged and all the protocols can be in place. Beyond that we’re still deciding what we’ll do.”

George, 35, was a late withdrawal from the starting XV in San Juan last year after being called up for the Lions tour to Australia but was present for the game.

“It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life when I heard what happened — and it wasn’t directed at me,” he said.

“It was directed at my teammates and I care about my teammates more than anything.

“I will continue to have conversations with selected players from different ethnic backgrounds and we will come up with a plan.”

England have won nine of their last 10 with the Pumas.