Underfire referee removed from England vs Argentina clash

Ben O’Keefe of New Zealand will be replacing Gardner as an assistant referee, while Gardner will instead be posted to AR duty on Japan versus Samoa.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt received confirmation from World Rugby that three penalties awarded to Japan during last Sunday’s historic 19-12 defeat to the host nation in Shizuoka were incorrect calls by the Australian referee and his match officials.

A statement from World Rugby reads: “Ben O’Keefe is replacing Angus Gardner as Assistant Referee 1.

“Angus Gardner is replacing Ben O’Keeffe.”