Share

Sanzar to probe ref bashing

Cape Town - Sanzar have warned coaches that taking unnecessary pot-shots at referees could land them in hot water.

Rugby365's website
reports that New Zealand referee Chris Pollock has been dropped from refereeing the Super Rugby playoffs, because of poor form.

Blues coach John Kirwan, Stormers coach Allister Coetzee and Waratahs mentor Michael Cheika have all been very vocal at the standard or way the referees have officiated their matches all season and it was no different following the last round of matches.

Sanzar's chief executive Greg Peters said that abusive behaviour towards match officials will not be tolerated.

"We are looking at those at present and considering them," he said.

"Ultimately we don't want to stifle debate on the game.

"There is no problem with a genuinely held belief that a decision (made by a referee) was wrong, (when) using temperate language.

"However, if it goes to questioning the integrity of the referee or is abusive or insulting (language) that is when it is of more concern to us."

Coetzee, who's team has been fined for explicitly questioning match officials decisions earlier this season, held no punches again this weekend, blaming the officiating for the Stormers' failure to progress to the Super Rugby playoffs.

Kirwan demanded that fellow Kiwi Pollock be held accountable for his red card on Kane Barret for allegedly stomping on Chiefs lock Craig Clarke at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Cheika insinuated that the standard of refereeing will essentially change the physical nature of rugby in the future.

Earlier in the season Kirwan's assistant, former All Blacks coach Graham Henry was reprimanded and issued a public apology for calling Keith Brown a "blind TMO".
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1117 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1283 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1976 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE