Our refereeing expert Owen Doyle answers readers’ questions on warnings, complicit officials and breakdown etiquette
usefully brings up what’s still a hot topic – the recent incident when Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu kicked the ball out of the hands of Cardiff’s Tom Young, who was about to score. I wrote at the time, “the argument that it was okay because it wasn’t intentional doesn’t hold water”. Correctly, Brian counters that a kick is defined as “intentionally hitting the ball, etc”.
Some referees have definitely taken this way too far, and need to review their input. But if an offence can be prevented by, for example, saying, “stay onside,” it’s helpful in cutting down the number of sanctions. However, if a player has already committed a material offence, then it’s too late to be preventive, it’s advantage/sanction time. I use the word material because, as a rule of thumb, I detest penalties awarded for offences which haven’t had any effect on play whatsoever.
When there is no pressure, I’d suggest that only one pass is allowed. Then if the kick is mishit, or the next pass dropped, do not go back. World Rugby does want more continuity, and a consistent refereeing approach here is a definite opportunity. Right now it varies confusingly, even in the same match., might be being a bit tongue-in-cheek when he asks my opinion on recent English press commentary that Leinster and Ireland are consistently illegal at the breakdown.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Counter Ruck: Rugby’s new laws explained with Owen DoyleThe Counter Ruck podcast: A number of trials will be run over the summer by World Rugby
Read more »
Owen Doyle: Let’s stop the law tinkering – safety issues apartOwen Doyle: World Rugby proposals remain a work in progress but still not strong enough to discourage serious foul play
Read more »
Referee mailbag: Send your questions to our refereeing expert Owen DoyleSend in your question to our columnist, former Test referee and former director of referees at the IRFU, Owen Doyle
Read more »
Michael Owen says Man United should sack Ten Hag now and appoint former England bossIt's man stuff
Read more »
Owen Doyle: Mathieu Raynal’s calm demeanour contributed to a great occasion at Croke ParkFrench referee’s Mathieu Raynal's clear officiating at the scrum in Croke Park an example which others would do well to follow
Read more »
Paralysed mob boss Owen Maguire turns to faith healer in bid to walk againExclusive: The faith healer has been visiting Maguire and ‘praying over his legs’, sources have told us
Read more »