Argentina flyhalf Tomás Albornoz has become the first player charged under World Rugby’s new Match Official Abuse Sanction Process.
The misconduct charge follows the Pumas’ 31-24 defeat to England, where tensions boiled over after the final whistle.
The drama unfolded after referee Angus Gardner, following consultation with the TMO, overturned what appeared to be a late Bautista Delguy try, denying Argentina a potential match-levelling score.
MORE: Italy prop banned for sideline brawl
World Rugby confirmed that Albornoz will face a disciplinary hearing over his conduct towards Gardner after the match.
The 28-year-old is the first player to be dealt with under the governing body’s new process, which was approved at the recent Shape of the Game forum.
The framework was introduced to strengthen existing disciplinary regulations and create a clearer, more consistent approach to dealing with abuse directed at match officials.
World Rugby said the process was designed to help protect referees and reduce the wider culture of abuse, particularly online.
ALSO: Los Pumas coach storms out
Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada was the first person sanctioned under the new system, receiving a one-match suspension after publicly criticising the officiating following his side’s Nations Championship defeat to the All Blacks.
Albornoz’s hearing will now determine whether he becomes the first player punished under the revised regulations.
TOMÁS ALBORNOZ citado por World Rugby
El apertura de Los Pumas acusado de “mala conducta” en el procedimiento por abuso de árbitros
Regla 18 – Código de conducta
Cada vez que veo la última jugada es más inentendible la decisión de A.Gardner & B.Cronan pic.twitter.com/JcBjbjkwbo
— Fran Capizzi
(@Fran_Capizzi) July 22, 2026
Photo: Nations Championship/Getty Images
The post Los Pumas No 10 charged for referee abuse appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Argentina flyhalf Tomás Albornoz has become the first player charged under World Rugby’s new Match Official Abuse Sanction Process.
The post Los Pumas No 10 charged for referee abuse appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
