Former Test referee Nigel Owens, now a member of the URC’s Independent Referee Selection Panel, has urged World Rugby to adopt a more stringent approach towards coaches and water carriers entering the field of play to challenge refereeing decisions. Owens stressed the importance of respect in rugby and underscored the necessity of imposing sanctions on those who do not adhere to the game’s values.
During a recent media briefing for the BKT United Rugby Championship, Owens expressed his apprehensions regarding the incidents involving coaches and water carriers during matches. He specifically cited a situation where Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins was involved in a contentious discussion with the referee and an incident in which a water carrier obstructed a player’s line of sight during a crucial penalty kick.
Owens emphasized the importance of upholding respect for match officials and highlighted the unacceptable nature of such behavior from coaches and water carriers. He also noted that although there may be appropriate instances for communication with the referee, any form of disrespect should be promptly addressed with the appropriate sanctions.
The URC, where Owens holds a position on the Independent Referee Selection Panel, has already taken disciplinary action against individuals who have displayed misconduct towards match officials. Owens underscored the need for swift and effective measures to address similar incidents in the future to uphold the values of respect and sportsmanship in rugby.
In response to these concerns, World Rugby has introduced a phased plan to enhance the global appeal of the sport, with a focus on officiating standards. This plan involves the immediate reinforcement of the 2022 law trial related to water carriers entering the field of play and signals a commitment to upholding the integrity and respect for match officials in rugby.
As rugby continues to evolve and expand on a global scale, it is imperative that the sport preserves the principles of respect and sportsmanship. By enforcing stricter regulations and taking decisive action against any form of misconduct towards match officials, World Rugby and other governing bodies can ensure that rugby maintains its reputation for fair and dignified competition.