World Rugby admits referees need to be more consistent
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World Rugby has released a statement admitting that the officials have not been consistent enough following a usual review of the opening matches of the Rugby World Cup.
This follows plenty of scrutiny of the performances of a number of top officials during the opening round of the competition.
The likes of Ben O'Keefe and his fellow officials came under fire for failing to penalise Reece Hodge for his challenge that ended Peceli Yato's game on Saturday with the Wallaby winger picking up a citing after the game.
While Jerome Garces has been criticised for his handling of the All Blacks and Springboks test on the same day. As to did Angus Gardner for his performance in the closing moments of the France-Argentina game.
To name a few.
World Rugby said that the inconsistencies are being addressed by the team of 23 match officials to enhance consistency and that they are confident the team will deliver the high levels of accurate, clear and consistent decision-making.
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The statement from World Rugby reads:
"Following the usual review of matches, the match officials team recognise that performances over the opening weekend of Rugby World Cup 2019 were not consistently of the standards set by World Rugby and themselves, but World Rugby is confident of the highest standards of officiating moving forward.
Elite match officials are required to make decisions in complex, high-pressure situations and there have been initial challenges with the use of technology and team communication, which have impacted decision-making. These are already being addressed by the team of 23 match officials to enhance consistency.
Given this proactive approach, a strong team ethic and a superb support structure, World Rugby has every confidence in the team to ensure that Rugby World Cup 2019 delivers the highest levels of accurate, clear and consistent decision-making."
