Contepomi leaves press conference after England's 31-24 win over Argentina

Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi left his post-match news conference after his side's 31-24 defeat by England in the Nations Championship, saying celebrations in the adjacent England changing room showed a lack of respect.

Contepomi had asked an England representative to stop the noise of music and celebrations coming from next door before departing. The match in Santiago del Estero ended in chaotic circumstances, with Argentina denied a try by the television match official on the final play.

What happened

England led 19-3 at half-time and appeared in control before Argentina fought back after the break. Four England players were shown yellow cards in the second half, and former England scrum-half Matt Dawson described the team's discipline as "verging on comical". Argentina wore replicas of the country's 1986 football World Cup kit during the match.

• England beat Argentina 31-24 in the Nations Championship in Santiago del Estero.
• Argentina had a try ruled out by the television match official on the final play.
• England led 19-3 at half-time and received four yellow cards after the break.
• Felipe Contepomi left his news conference after asking England to reduce celebration noise.
• The competition resumes on 6 November, with the finals on 28 and 29 November.

Why it matters

The result and the post-match friction add to a chaotic finish in Santiago del Estero. England sit third in the northern hemisphere group, while Argentina's late push came up short after a strong second-half response. Contepomi's decision to leave the news conference drew attention to the changing-room celebrations rather than the match itself.

The Nations Championship is scheduled to resume on 6 November, with the finals set for 28 and 29 November. England will look to build on the win, while Argentina will review a match that slipped away after a difficult first half.