World Rugby decision on wider Argentina punishment after referee abuse

Wednesday, 05 August 2026 at 18:48

byCharlie Elliott

Argentina appear to have avoided any wider punishment following the ugly scenes during and after their Nations Championship defeat to England.

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World Rugby has confirmed that Tomas Albornoz has been banned for four matches after running towards referee Angus Gardner and making physical contact while protesting a decision.

Gardner was heard repeatedly shouting, “Hey, hey, hey,” as he instructed the fly-half to back away.

The disciplinary hearing followed dramatic scenes at the end of Argentina's defeat, a match that featured seven yellow cards.

Bautista Delguy looked to have scored a last-minute try that would have levelled the game, but Gardner overturned the decision after a TMO review, allowing England to seal a memorable victory.

Tensions threatened to boil over even further, with Argentina's coaching staff reportedly stepping in to prevent other players from confronting the match officials.

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🚨 “LADRÓN, LADRÓN” 😡Así despidieron los hinchas a Angus Gardner, el árbitro que le anuló un try a Delguy sobre el final del partido entre Los Pumas e Inglaterra. 🏉La jugada tenía más de 20 fases y terminaba con el argentino apoyando en el in-goal, pero el TMO consideró que

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9:47 PM · Jul 18, 2026

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As Gardner left the field, he was also targeted by sections of the crowd, with an object thrown from the stands during the chaotic scenes at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades.

While Albornoz has received a suspension, there has been no indication of any further sanctions against Argentina.

Several players confronted the officials and members of the England team after the final whistle, while no disciplinary action has been announced over the object thrown from the crowd.

Los Pumas will now be without their fly-half for fixtures against South Africa and two Tests against Australia. However, the union is likely to view the outcome as a positive one, with no additional punishment announced for the conduct of the team or supporters.

World Rugby confirmed after the match that it had opened an investigation. With Albornoz's four-match ban remaining the only sanction announced, it appears no further action will be taken.