ARGENTINA FLY-HALF ALBORNOZ BANNED FOR FOUR MATCHES

Tomás Albornoz, Argentina's fly-half, has been suspended for four matches following a misconduct charge relating to his conduct towards referee Angus Gardner after Argentina's Nations Championship defeat to England on 18 July. Albornoz accepted allegations that he intimidated the match official. The ban begins with Argentina's Test against South Africa on Saturday and extends through fixtures against Australia and a Toulon match.

The incident occurred after Gardner disallowed a late try to Argentina that would have given Albornoz a conversion attempt to draw the match. The decision followed extended deliberation between Gardner and television match official Brett Cronan. Argentina contended they should have been awarded a penalty try due to high tackles by England players Noah Calouri and Henry Slade as Pumas winger Bautista Delguy approached the line. Gardner's ruling allowed England to win 31-24 in Santiago del Estero. The disciplinary committee documented that Albornoz made contact with Gardner and approached the Australian official twice, requiring restraint from teammates.

World Rugby's disciplinary committee determined a four-match suspension was appropriate, citing Albornoz's early acceptance of the charge, his undertakings to issue public and private written apologies, and his previously clear record. Albornoz denied his behaviour was abusive, insulting, offensive or threatening, and the committee agreed, classifying his actions as a low-end entry point for contact with a match official. Gardner will referee the third Test of South Africa's forthcoming four-match series against New Zealand.