Tomás Albornoz has been charged with misconduct by World Rugby following the heated scenes that erupted after his side’s 31-24 Nations Championship defeat to England in Santiago del Estero.
The dramatic contest saw seven yellow cards handed out before Bautista Delguy thought he had scored a last-gasp try to level the match. However, referee Angus Gardner ruled the effort out after a TMO review, allowing England to hold on for a famous victory.
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As Gardner blew the final whistle, tempers boiled over.
Albornoz was seen running towards the Australian referee before making physical contact as he remonstrated with the officials. Gardner could be heard repeatedly shouting, “Hey, hey, hey,” while ordering the Argentina fly-half to move away.
The situation threatened to escalate further, with members of Argentina’s coaching staff reportedly stepping in to prevent other players from confronting the officials.
Gardner also received abuse as he left the field, with an object thrown from the stands in ugly scenes inside the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades.
World Rugby confirm misconduct charge
World Rugby has now confirmed that Albornoz will face disciplinary action under its recently introduced Match Official Abuse Sanction Process.
A statement from the governing body read:
They actually made physical contact with the ref.
Likelihood is this will result in a ban.
You can’t touch the ref. Physical intimidation. pic.twitter.com/q04dSznBmX
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) July 18, 2026
“Tomás Albornoz has been issued with misconduct charges following Argentina’s Nations Championship match against England at Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero on 18 July, 2026.
“In line with the remit of the Match Official Abuse Sanction Process, the charges relate to events following the final whistle. Albornoz was seen remonstrating with the match officials following the final whistle. The hearing details will be confirmed shortly.”
World Rugby added:
“The Match Official Abuse Sanction Process was introduced to complement Regulation 18 and provide a clearer and more consistent framework for addressing public criticism of match officials, particularly where such comments may contribute to wider online abuse.
“Developed by a cross-game working group including competition owner, match official playing and coaching representation and championed by Union CEOs, the process reflects a unified commitment to support and protect match officials.”
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