Wayne Barnes says referees must be given the freedom to let a rugby match flow, as one of three changes that the former whistleblower suggests to improve the sport.
Writing in the UK’s The Telegraph, Barnes argues that referee reviewers should strive for clarity from World Rugby to prevent “calamity”, and advocates for penalising the attacking team at the breakdown only if the defending side is “squeaky clean”, aiming to reduce stoppages and allow more attacking rugby.
He points out instances during the 2023 Rugby World Cup where attack penalties dominated breakdown decisions, hindering the game’s flow.
The Englishman also urges referees to play on when in doubt, emphasising that the default should be to allow the game to continue. He highlights incidents where questionable decisions were made and suggests a shift toward letting the players play when uncertainties arise.
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“With the game crying out for less stoppages and for more attacking rugby, a general philosophy around allowing the game to flow should be the focus of what the [World Rugby] selectors are feeding back to match officials,” Barnes writes.
“Referees should only turn the ball over when the defending team has done everything right. This will encourage teams to keep hold of the ball and not kick the ball away in fear of a blast of a whistle.
“Every international coach I speak with says that teams are petrified to have the ball for long periods of time. Every fan I speak to says that referees should look for reasons not to blow their whistle.
“Refereeing selectors should listen to these pleas and give referees the freedom to allow a game of rugby to break out.”
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