Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz receives four-match suspension after referee clash

In the wake of Argentina’s defeat to England, fly-half Tomas Albornoz approached referee Angus Gardner twice in the stadium at Santiago del Estero, prompting teammates to intervene. Officials ruled that Albornoz’s conduct was intimidating, but stopped short of labeling it abusive, insulting, offensive, or threatening. World Rugby’s disciplinary committee therefore issued a four-match suspension.

The sanction will keep Albornoz out of the forthcoming test against South Africa in Buenos Aires, the two Australian tests scheduled for late August and early September, and Toulon’s Top 14 opener against La Rochelle. The decision follows a contentious call that nullified Bautista Delguy’s late-minute try after consultation with television match official Brett Cronan.