World Rugby backs match officials over Lions clear-out decision

SYDNEY – World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has backed the match officials involved in last weekend’s second Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions, and said that it was disappointing the governing body’s commitment to player welfare had been questioned.

The Lions won the Test and clinched the series with a try from Hugo Keenan in the final seconds, but the Wallabies were upset about a ruling from referee Andrea Piardi over a clear-out at a ruck immediately beforehand.

Australia coach Joe Schmidt said the decision not to penalise Lions flanker Jac Morgan for high contact was an error and Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said that he would be seeking “accountability” from World Rugby over it.

“Given the nature of the commentary surrounding last weekend, we just want to express our support for the team of match officials involved,” Gilpin told reporters at the launch of the ticketing programme for the 2027 World Cup on July 29.

“There is no other position on the field that is under the scrutiny that our match officials are under, and yet they do an incredible job under that incredible pressure in a very live environment.

“I think it’s disappointing when the reaction is one of this means player welfare is not taken seriously, because I think we’ve worked really, really hard on that narrative. Everyone knows we’re putting player welfare in its broadest sense at the top of the agenda.”

A fuming Schmidt said at his post-match press conference that the decision called into question the commitment to player safety, but Gilpin said the New Zealander was unlikely to face disciplinary charges.

“The Wallabies had a chance to win an amazing Test match,” he added. “We understand the emotion involved in that. I think Joe’s comments have continued to respect the fact that the match officials have got a tough job to do.

“He might disagree with the decisions that were made, but I don’t think he’s called the integrity of our match officials into question.”

Gilpin also said World Rugby were undertaking their normal review of the refereeing decisions made in the match after consultation with Wallabies and Lions management, but the results would not be made public.

“We do share with Joe and the coaching team why the match officials made that decision,” he said.

“Joe’s got a view about what was wrong with that decision and there’ll be a debate so that Joe and his players can go into the next Test understanding how that game’s going to be officiated.”

The third and final Test in the series is at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Aug 2.

Meanwhile, World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson pledged a “bigger, bolder and more accessible” World Cup than ever before when Australia hosts the men’s showpiece event in 2027.

The tournament has been expanded to 24 teams from 20, divided into six pools of four teams.

The draw will take place in December with Robinson announcing on July 29 in Sydney that 2.5 million tickets will go on sale in February. One million tickets will be priced at under A$100 (S$84) in a bid to make it the most family-friendly tournament yet.

“This ticketing programme has been designed with one simple principle: put the fans first,” said Robinson.

“For the first time in over two decades, men’s Rugby World Cup returns to Australian shores and we’re determined to make it bigger, bolder and more accessible than ever before

“It’s about reigniting the love for rugby, inspiring a new generation and showcasing our values to the world.” REUTERS, AFP