Argentina fly-half Tomás Albornoz has been suspended for four matches after admitting to intimidating referee Angus Gardner following England's victory over the Pumas last month. The incident occurred after a controversial decision to disallow a late try for Argentina, which would have offered Albornoz a conversion attempt to draw the match.
Albornoz accepted allegations of misconduct at a disciplinary hearing, acknowledging his behaviour was intimidatory. The disciplinary committee noted that Albornoz made contact with Gardner and approached the official twice, requiring restraint from teammates.
While Albornoz accepted his actions amounted to intimidation, he denied they were abusive, insulting, offensive, or threatening. World Rugby and the disciplinary committee agreed, determining a four-match ban was appropriate given his early acceptance, commitment to apologies, and clear disciplinary record.
The ban will see Albornoz miss Argentina's Test against South Africa this Saturday, as well as their upcoming double-header with Australia and a Toulon fixture.