Argentina fly-half Tomás Albornoz has been suspended for four matches following an incident involving referee Angus Gardner during a recent international rugby match. The disciplinary action stems from Albornoz’s reaction after a contentious decision late in Argentina’s 31-24 loss to England in the Nations Championship Test held last month in Santiago del Estero.

The clash arose when a potential last-minute try by Argentina was disallowed after a review by television match official Brett Cronan, who overturned referee Gardner’s original call awarding Bautista Delguy a try in the corner. Following the decision, Albornoz twice approached Gardner in an episode described by a World Rugby disciplinary panel as “intimidatory conduct.” Reports indicate that Albornoz became visibly angry and had to be restrained by teammates as he expressed his displeasure at the officials’ ruling.

Albornoz, 28, accepted the charge of intimidating a match official. Initially handed a six-match suspension, his ban was later reduced to four games due to his previously clean disciplinary record and his agreement to issue both public and private apologies. The imposed suspension includes three upcoming Argentina Tests against South Africa on August 8, and Australia on August 29 and September 5, as well as Toulon’s Top14 club match against La Rochelle on September 12.

The Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) itself was not subject to any disciplinary measures in connection with the incident. The decision highlights the governing body’s ongoing efforts to maintain respect toward match officials and enforce conduct standards among players during high-stakes international competition.