adminWorld Rugby is looking into chaotic scenes that unfolded after England’s win over Argentina, with several Pumas players potentially facing bans for confronting referee Angus Gardner at the final whistle.
According to The Times, rugby’s global governing body and Nations Championship organizers are reviewing footage from Saturday’s tense fixture in Santiago del Estero. Should disciplinary cases be filed and players found guilty of abusing an official, suspensions could start at a minimum of two weeks under World Rugby’s penalty framework.
Argentina fly-half Tomás Albornoz and wing Bautista Delguy were among those seen angrily approaching Australian referee Gardner post-match. TV replays show both arguing with Gardner, with Albornoz reportedly held back by an Argentina water carrier. Delguy was also filmed making gestures toward the official after a potential late equalizing try for Argentina was overturned by the TMO.
The fallout didn’t stop there. As Gardner walked toward the tunnel, he appeared to be hit by an object thrown from the crowd—an incident the Argentinian Rugby Union is now under pressure to investigate and identify the culprit.
World Rugby is reportedly working with tournament organizers to assess if there’s enough evidence to launch formal proceedings against the players or the union. Under Regulation 9.28, “disrespecting the authority of a match official” carries a baseline two-week ban, with harsher penalties—starting at six weeks—for verbal abuse or physical contact. The governing body can also punish unions for misconduct that damages the sport’s reputation.
The match was already simmering with tension, amplified by the recent football World Cup semifinal between the two nations. Relations were fraught before kickoff: England’s Henry Pollock stirred controversy by taunting Argentine football fans from the team bus in Buenos Aires, while Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi accused England of disrespect after their loud celebrations interrupted his post-match press conference.
The report adds that England players Tom Curry and Pollock received a cold reception from Argentina’s squad on the shared charter flight back to Buenos Aires after the game.
World Rugby has yet to confirm if formal charges will follow, as its fact-gathering process continues.
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