Share

Joubert opens up: ‘Why I ran off the pitch’

Cape Town - South African referee Craig Joubert has explained why controversially he ran off the Twickenham pitch following last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final between Australia and Scotland.

Joubert awarded Australia a controversial off-side penalty in the 79th minute which flyhalf Bernard Foley converted to give the Wallabies a narrow 35-34 win.

After blowing the final whistle, Joubert ran off the field without shaking hands with the players or waiting for his assistant referees.

World Rugby took the unprecedented step of confirming that Joubert had been wrong.

Now, some months later, Joubert has opened up about his decision, explaining exactly why he did what he did.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Joubert said: “In my head was a desire to avoid any possible unseemly confrontation that would mar what had been a wonderful occasion.”

READ Craig Joubert’s full explanation on The Telegraph’s website.

On the question of whether, in hindsight, he would have reconsidered the decision, Joubert said: “Absolutely.”

Since the incident, Joubert has met with Scotland coach Vern Cotter and captain Greig Laidlaw and the matter has been put to bed.

He also refereed in this year’s Six Nations and is currently on Super Rugby duty where he will be an assistant referee in Saturday’s clash between the Blues and Sharks in Auckland.

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% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 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