Argentina Fly-Half Albornoz Banned Four Matches for Referee Intimidation

Tomás Albornoz, Argentina's fly-half, has been suspended for four matches after admitting to misconduct for intimidating referee Angus Gardner during the Nations Championship match against England on July 18. The incident occurred after Gardner disallowed a last-gasp try that would have allowed Argentina to level the match at 31–31, with Albornoz having the opportunity to convert for a draw. Instead, England won 31–24.

Following the final whistle, Albornoz approached Gardner on two separate occasions, made physical contact with the referee, and had to be restrained by teammates. Albornoz accepted allegations that his conduct amounted to intimidation of a match official, though he denied his behaviour was abusive, insulting, offensive, or threatening. The disciplinary committee agreed with this distinction.

The maximum penalty for contact with a match official under World Rugby regulations is a six-match suspension. However, the committee reduced Albornoz's ban to four matches, citing his early acceptance of the misconduct charge, his previously clear disciplinary record, and his undertakings to issue both public and private written apologies. The suspension will cause Albornoz to miss Argentina's upcoming Tests against South Africa on August 9, two matches against Australia on August 29 and September 5, and his Top 14 club Toulon's match against Stade Rochelais on September 12.

The controversial try disallowed by Gardner came after Argentina's winger Bautista Delguy appeared to ground the ball in the corner. Argentina contested the decision, arguing they should have been awarded a penalty try for high tackles by England players Noah Calouri and Henry Slade as Delguy approached the line. The match, played in Santiago del Estero, featured seven yellow cards distributed between both teams, with England reduced to 13 players on two occasions in the second half.