Argentina flyhalf Albornoz gets four-match ban

Argentina flyhalf Tomás Albornoz has been suspended for four matches for intimidating a referee following a controversial conclusion to his team's Nations Championship match against England last month. The disciplinary action, announced on August 5, 2026, stems from Albornoz's conduct toward referee Angus Gardner immediately after the final whistle of the match on July 18 in Santiago del Estero.

The incident occurred after Gardner, following consultation with the television match official, disallowed a last-gasp try by Argentina's Bautista Delguy. The decision, which followed a lengthy review, preserved England's 31-24 victory. Argentina had argued that a penalty try should have been awarded for high tackles on Delguy as he went for the line, which would have given Albornoz a conversion attempt to tie the game.

An independent disciplinary committee found that Albornoz, 28, approached Gardner on two separate occasions after the match and had to be restrained by teammates. The committee determined that Albornoz made physical contact with the referee, which it described as "limited in nature," and that his overall conduct was intimidatory. Albornoz accepted the misconduct charge...