When this story first appeared, we have to say that we had to check the calendar. But no, it is indeed November, not April!
We wonder how this matter made it to a three week ban for the match official in question. Surely there’s a modicum of common sense involved here to understand that while he may have broken a rule/process, a slap on the wrists and a reminder of his responsibilities should surely be in order. But a three week ban!?! Surely this sends a very negative message to match officials as a core stakeholder in the game.
Serious foul play by players on the field don’t get that kind of ban. So why should a match official who determined the kick off of a match in a way that affected no-one, end up here.
Like our friend Nigel (see tweet below) we really do hope that in our sport, the rugby authorities would treat this in the manner in which allows everyone to move on. We mustn’t allow rugby to get to this stage.
A bit of common sense is needed surely. If both captains were happy to do it then why not. I did it with Blues v Ospreys and NZ v Barbarians on the request of the captain’s. I obliged as a bit of fun is whats needed sometimes. Life is to short smile & have fun. #WorldsGoingMad https://t.co/0NAzI7muwZ
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) November 14, 2018
How you ever heard of anything like this in rugby in your country? Let us know in the comments below.
The use of a whistle placed in a hand and the away captain chooses which hand – used this now for years. Go on Durham Referees Society suspend your 52 season veteran retired International referee.
In Colin Meads’ autobiography, published over 45-years ago, there is the story of “Pine Tree” in his first overseas tour – to Japan, with the Junior All Blacks, telling Wilson Whineray to: “just lose the bloody thing,” when a game of rock, paper, scissors, to decide the kick-off, went on for some time.
That was in 1955, so, nothing new about it.
I had the pleasure of refereeing club rugby in the USA in the late 1990’s. Rock, paper, scissors was their standard method of determining who kicked off.
How is the flip of a coin any different from Rock Paper Scissors?
In support all the games I referee this season will now use Rock Paper Scissors. Rugby is a game!!! It has laws which the ref is responsible for but isn’t the game meant to be enjoyable?
Well quite!
I have used the same occasionally in Denmark – both captains have thought it fair and fun
Would that you were as morally incensed at the serious issue of the non-policing of the advantage line by your referees – as exemplified in the current autumn test series. The Ireland V NZ test was a standout example but incessant breaches of the rule – and a high level of indulgence by the referees – has marred the series throughout.
The game is tight nowadays – I’m sure much more so than when you were on international duty – but for every “that’s blatantly offside” call from an armchair critic, the evidence often suggests to the contrary when you freeze frame it. If that’s what you’re doing then you’re probably missing out on some great rugby. We appreciate your comments as ever.