Tomás Albornoz faces World Rugby disciplinary hearing after England match

Argentina fly‑half Tomás Albornoz will be the first player dealt with under World Rugby’s new Match Official Abuse Sanction Process. The disciplinary case stems from his confrontation with referee Angus Gardner after the Pumas’ 31‑24 defeat by England, when a late Bautista Delguy try was overturned following a television match official review. World Rugby announced Albornoz must appear before an independent tribunal for a presumed breach of Rule 18, which bars public criticism of match officials that could encourage broader abuse. The sanction process was introduced after the governing body’s Shape of the Game forum and has already been applied to Argentina coach Gonzalo Quesada. A suspension is possible if Albornoz is found to have violated the new rules.