Argentina Albornoz Charged by World Rugby for Misconduct

Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz faces misconduct charges and a potential suspension from World Rugby following an angry confrontation with match officials after his team's narrow defeat to England last weekend. The incident occurred immediately after the final whistle of a tense Nations Championship match, which England won 31-24 at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero on July 18, 2026.

The controversy stemmed from a pivotal decision in the closing moments of the match. With Argentina mounting a furious comeback, referee Angus Gardner, after consulting with the television match official, disallowed a late try by winger Bautista Delguy. The officials ruled Delguy had grounded the ball on the try-line and corner flag simultaneously, negating the score that could have leveled the game. This decision sparked immediate protests from Argentine players.

Albornoz was seen aggressively remonstrating with Gardner and his assistants. Video footage showed the fly-half angrily throwing the ball to the ground and approaching the referee before being physically restrained by a coaching staff member and a teammate. World Rugby confirmed the charges fall under its newly...