World Rugby launch investigation into Argentina players' behaviour in England match
Rugby NewsMonday, 20 July 2026 at 06:59
World Rugby have launched an investigation into the chaotic scenes that followed England's dramatic 31-24 victory over Argentina in the Nations Championship.
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Tempers boiled over after the final whistle in Santiago del Estero, with several Argentina players confronting match officials following the controversial decision to rule out Bautista Delguy's last-gasp try after a lengthy TMO review.
Footage from the aftermath showed players surrounding referee Angus Gardner as emotions spilled over after a match that had already seen seven yellow cards, multiple flashpoints and several off-the-ball incidents.
Match under scrutiny
The investigation is expected to examine the conduct of players in the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, with World Rugby reviewing referee and match commissioner reports alongside available broadcast footage.
Any disciplinary action would be considered under World Rugby's regulations covering misconduct towards match officials, with sanctions ranging from warnings to suspensions depending on the findings.
Tensions throughout the contest
The match was one of the most ill-tempered Tests of the summer, featuring repeated confrontations, several yellow cards and a controversial finish after Argentina believed they had rescued a draw in the closing moments.
England ultimately held on for a 31-24 victory, but the fallout has continued long after the final whistle, with Argentina also expressing frustration over the disallowed try and head coach Felipe Contepomi later walking out of his post-match press conference after accusing England of showing a "lack of respect."
England Nations Championship tournament ratings: Every player from best to worst
Using RUCK's player ratings from all three matches, we've ranked every England player from best to worst based on their average rating across the tournament.
Only players who received ratings in at least two matches have been included.
1. Fin Smith – 8.17
Ratings: South Africa 7.5 | Fiji 9 | Argentina 8
England's standout performer across the three Tests. Smith controlled games with maturity beyond his years, starred in the rout of Fiji and finished the tour with another composed display in Argentina. He has cemented himself as Steve Borthwick's first-choice fly-half.
2. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – 7.67
Ratings: South Africa 7 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 9
After two solid performances, Feyi-Waboso exploded into life against Argentina with one of the displays of the summer. Powerful carrying, excellent finishing and almost impossible to stop one-on-one.
3. Ben Earl – 7.67
Ratings: South Africa 8 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 8
England's best forward throughout the campaign. Earl carried relentlessly against the Springboks before scoring twice against Argentina to finish another outstanding international window.
SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, ARGENTINA - JULY 18: Ben Earl of England runs with the ball while under pressure from Marcos Kremer of Argentina during the 2026 Nations Championship match between Argentina and England at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on July 18, 2026 in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. (Photo by Nations Championship/Getty Images)
4. Jack van Poortvliet – 7.50
Ratings: South Africa 7.5 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 8
Quietly enjoyed an excellent series. His service improved with every game and he looked far more balanced in Argentina, despite picking up the first yellow card of his Test career.
5. Ellis Genge – 7.50
Ratings: South Africa 7.5 | Fiji 8 | Argentina 7
Led from the front all summer. Strong in the scrum, aggressive in the loose and one of England's most reliable senior players across the three Tests.
6. Marcus Smith – 7.17
Ratings: South Africa 7.5 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 7
Played virtually everywhere in the backline during the tour. His versatility proved invaluable and he finished with tries against both Fiji and Argentina.
7. Joe Heyes – 7.00
Ratings: South Africa 6 | Fiji 8 | Argentina 7
Recovered brilliantly after a difficult afternoon against the Springboks. His scrummaging against Fiji was outstanding before another industrious display in Argentina.
SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, ARGENTINA - JULY 18: Joe Heyes of England is tackled by Gonzalo Garcia of Argentina during the 2026 Nations Championship match between Argentina and England at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on July 18, 2026 in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. (Photo by Nations Championship/Getty Images)
8. Jamie George – 6.83
Ratings: South Africa 6.5 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 7
The captain produced exactly what England needed: dependable leadership, accurate lineout throwing and plenty of defensive work.
SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, ARGENTINA - JULY 18: Jamie George of England speaks to the media in a post match press interview after the 2026 Nations Championship match between Argentina and England at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades on July 18, 2026 in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. (Photo by Nations Championship/Getty Images)
9. Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6.83
Ratings: South Africa 6 | Fiji 7.5 | Argentina 7
Made a big impact from the bench against Fiji, scoring quickly after coming on, before backing it up with another energetic display in Argentina.
10. Seb Atkinson – 6.67
Ratings: South Africa 6 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 7
Grew into the tour nicely. Improved defensively after South Africa and looked increasingly comfortable at Test level.
11. Henry Slade – 6.67
Ratings: South Africa 6 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 7
A much stronger finish than start. Slade's experience proved valuable in Argentina, including the superb tackle that denied Bautista Delguy at the death.
12. Ollie Chessum – 6.67
Ratings: South Africa 6 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 7
Not quite at his destructive best but still delivered two solid performances after the opening defeat.
13. Alex Coles – 6.50
Ratings: South Africa 6.5 | Fiji 5 | Argentina 8
His Argentina performance rescued his average. Coles was immense defensively, finishing with a remarkable tackle count after a quieter display against Fiji.
14. George Martin – 6.33
Ratings: South Africa 7 | Fiji 5 | Argentina 7
Started the tour strongly, dipped against Fiji and bounced back well in Argentina with another physical display.
15. Guy Pepper – 6.33
Ratings: South Africa 5 | Fiji 7 | Argentina 7
Recovered impressively after a difficult debut against South Africa. His work-rate and tackling stood out during England's final two victories.
16. Tom Curry – 6.33
Ratings: South Africa 7 | Fiji 6 | Argentina 6
Limited minutes prevented Curry from climbing higher, but he remained his typically reliable self whenever called upon.
17. Asher Opoku-Fordjour – 6.25
Ratings: South Africa 6.5 | Fiji 6
The young prop handled himself well in his opportunities before concussion ruled him out of the Argentina Test.
18. Henry Pollock – 6.17
Ratings: South Africa 5 | Fiji 8.5 | Argentina 5
The definition of a rollercoaster tour. Pollock followed a quiet debut with a hat-trick against Fiji before disciplinary problems overshadowed his performance in Argentina.
France v England - Six Nations 2026 Henry Pollock of England greets supporters after the Six Nations international rugby union match between France and England at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on Month Day, Year . Saint-Denis France PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xIbrahimxEzzatx originalFilename:ezzat-notitle260315_npKET.jpg
19. Tommy Freeman – 6.00
Ratings: South Africa 5 | Fiji 6 | Argentina 7
Finished the summer strongly after a difficult opening two matches. His early try in Argentina was reward for another tireless performance.
20. George Kloska – 6.00
Ratings: Fiji 6 | Argentina 6
Two solid cameos from the Leicester Tigers prop. Nothing spectacular, but equally very little went wrong whenever he entered the game.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Argentina star facing lengthy ban after heated clash with Angus Gardner at full-time
- Nations Championship team of the week: Round 3
- New footage shows the disgraceful abuse Angus Gardner received after full-time
- Argentina fans demand replay after last-minute try is ‘criminally’ disallowed against England
- Henry Pollock at centre of drama as Argentina head coach storms out over England celebrations
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