Rugby News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumours
Rugby World Cup referees have come in for a lot of criticism during the opening weeks of the competition. Some of this is fair but much of the criticism has been taken too far. Here at Last Word on Rugby, we will be offering a partial defence of the officiating so far. There have been […] READ MORE
Dangerous, high tackles and the use of the Television Match Official (TMO) system have been a controversial topic dominating rugby headlines for over the past decade. Stricter laws were enforced in May this year with World Rugby releasing a Decision-making Framework for High Tackles to ensure refereeing decisions were consistent and accurate. However, calls have […] READ MORE
Much has been made of the high tackle laws and the way in which they are being interpreted. Controversial red cards given out to George Smith and Will Spencer have caused uproar in the rugby world. Coaches and players alike have claimed the game has gone soft and the laws are ruining the game. However, […] READ MORE
This coming week, rugby union players and fans will see World Rugby’s new directive on high tackles come into force, stiffening up the penalties for any contact ‘with the head’ of an opponent. The directive is well intentioned, given the increasing focus on mitigating head trauma – particularly concussion. Last Word On Rugby resident Wellington […] READ MORE
Scott MacLean is an active rugby referee in Wellington (NZ), and writes for Last Word On Rugby predominantly from the ‘match officials’ viewpoint.