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Rugby launches probe after Argentine players assault referee

7/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rugby opened an investigation into Argentine players’ conduct toward referee Angus Gardner after the Santiago match.
England beat Argentina 31-24, and Gardner issued seven yellow cards.
After full-time, Pumas including Tomas Albornoz confronted Gardner, with Albornoz making contact as the referee faced jeers and a near-miss projectile.
Regulation 9.28 bans player contact or verbal abuse of officials, imposing six- to 52-week bans, while Rugby Australia condemned the abuse and declined comment.

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Story summary

Rugby opened an investigation into Argentine players’ conduct toward referee Angus Gardner after the Santiago match.
England beat Argentina 31-24, and Gardner issued seven yellow cards.
After full-time, Pumas including Tomas Albornoz confronted Gardner, with Albornoz making contact as the referee faced jeers and a near-miss projectile.
Regulation 9.28 bans player contact or verbal abuse of officials, imposing six- to 52-week bans, while Rugby Australia condemned the abuse and declined comment.