World Rugby is investigating extraordinary scenes following England's victory over Argentina, with several Pumas players facing potential bans after confronting referee Angus Gardner at full-time.
Investigation launched
Rugby's governing body, together with organisers of the Nations Championship, are gathering evidence following Saturday's heated clash in Santiago del Estero, according to The Times.
If disciplinary proceedings are opened and players are found guilty of abusing a match official, suspensions could begin at two weeks under World Rugby's sanctions.
Players involved
Argentina fly-half Tomás Albornoz and wing Bautista Delguy were among the players who appeared to angrily confront Australian referee Gardner after the final whistle. Television footage showed both remonstrating with the official before Albornoz was reportedly restrained by an Argentina water carrier.
Delguy was also seen gesturing towards Gardner after Argentina were denied what would have been a dramatic late equalising try following intervention from the television match official.
Crowd incident
Gardner also appeared to be struck by an object believed to have been thrown from the crowd as he walked towards the tunnel after the match, with the Argentinian Rugby Union now under pressure to investigate the incident and identify the supporter responsible.
According to The Times, World Rugby is working alongside Nations Championship organisers to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to open formal disciplinary proceedings against either the players or the Argentinian Rugby Union.
Possible sanctions
Under World Rugby Regulation 9.28, "disrespecting the authority of a match official" carries a minimum suspension of two weeks, rising depending on the severity of the offence. More serious offences involving verbal abuse or physical contact with officials can attract bans starting at six weeks.
The governing body also has powers to sanction unions under its misconduct regulations for behaviour that brings the game into disrepute.
Background tensions
The match itself was played in a highly charged atmosphere, fuelled by the rivalry between the two nations following their football World Cup semi-final meeting earlier in the week. Relations between the sides had already been strained before kick-off.
England's Henry Pollock had made headlines after taunting Argentina football supporters from the team bus in Buenos Aires, while Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi accused England of showing a "lack of respect" after claiming loud celebrations from the visitors interrupted his post-match press conference.
The report also adds that England players Tom Curry and Pollock received a frosty reception from Argentina players when both squads shared a charter flight back to Buenos Aires following the match.
World Rugby has yet to announce whether formal disciplinary charges will be brought, with its fact-finding process still ongoing.
