DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: TOMAS ALBORNOZ (ARGENTINA)

Tomás Albornoz has been suspended for four matches after admitting misconduct arising from interactions with match officials following Argentina’s Nations Championship match against England on 18 July.

In determining misconduct under Regulation 18, the disciplinary committee noted that the Argentina fly-half accepted the misconduct allegations. In particular, he accepted that his conduct, taken as a whole, was intimidatory. 

The committee accepted that contact with referee Angus Gardner, although limited in nature, occurred while disputing a match official's decision and formed part of that overall course of intimidatory conduct. The committee also noted that Albornoz approached the referee on two separate occasions and had to be restrained by team-mates. 

The committee further noted that, while Albornoz accepted that his conduct amounted to intimidation of a match official, he did not accept that his actions were abusive, insulting, offensive or threatening. That distinction was accepted by both World Rugby and the committee. 

In determining sanction, the committee accepted that the contact with the referee, while limited, occurred in the context of disputing a match official’s decision and formed part of an overall course of intimidatory conduct. The committee considered that aspect of the misconduct comparable to the low-end entry point for contact with a match official under Appendix 1 to Regulation 17, which carries a six-match suspension.

Taking into account Albornoz’s early acceptance of the charge, his undertakings to issue public and private written apologies, and his previously clear disciplinary record, the committee accepted that a four-match suspension was appropriate. Albornoz is therefore suspended for the following matches:

• 8 August: Argentina v South Africa 
• 29 August: Argentina v Australia 
• 5 September: Argentina v Australia 
• 12 September: Toulon v Stade Rochelais