Tomás Albornoz, Argentina’s fly-half, has received a four-match suspension following a disciplinary hearing where he accepted allegations of intimidating behavior toward match official Angus Gardner. The incident took place after the conclusion of England’s 31-24 victory over Argentina, a match that generated considerable controversy over a disallowed try in the final moments.
The disciplinary committee found that Albornoz made contact with Gardner and approached the Australian referee on two separate occasions, requiring restraint from his teammates. The underlying dispute stemmed from Argentina’s belief that a try should have been awarded to winger Bautista Delguy, with the team arguing that even if the ball was not grounded legally, a penalty try should have been granted due to high tackles committed by opposing players. Gardner’s decision to disallow the try proved decisive in England’s victory and proved significant for England’s under-fire head coach Steve Borthwick.
Albornoz accepted the charge of intimidatory conduct but denied that his actions constituted abuse, insults, offensive language, or threats. World Rugby’s disciplinary committee agreed with this distinction, treating the conduct as comparable to low-end contact with a match official. While such contact typically carries a six-match suspension, the committee reduced the penalty to four matches based on Albornoz’s prompt acceptance of the charge, his agreement to issue both public and private written apologies, and his previously unblemished disciplinary record.
The suspension will cause Albornoz to miss Argentina’s upcoming Test against South Africa, a double-header with Australia, and a fixture in Toulon. Meanwhile, Gardner will continue his duties as a referee, with an assignment to officiate the third Test of South Africa’s forthcoming four-match series against New Zealand.
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