World Rugby’s CEO, Alan Gilpin, voiced his support for match officials while addressing the contentious officiating in the Wallabies’ recent series against the British and Irish Lions. During the launch of the ticketing programme for the 2027 World Cup, Gilpin highlighted the scrutiny officials face and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting them amid ongoing discussions about particular decisions, specifically the failure to penalise Jac Morgan in the second Test.
Despite World Rugby’s policy of not publicly commenting on refereeing decisions, Gilpin acknowledged the intense pressure that match officials endure, stating they perform commendably in a dynamic environment. He confirmed that World Rugby would hold discussions alongside Rugby Australia and the Lions about the review process concerning the officiating of the match.
In a packed media briefing, Gilpin responded to Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s comments about law 9.20, which centres on player safety. Schmidt remarked that the ruling did not align with World Rugby’s safety initiatives. However, Gilpin interpreted Schmidt’s statements as respectful of the difficult job match officials perform, noting that the Wallabies had legitimate opportunities to secure a victory.
Gilpin conceded that the breakdown area in rugby is notoriously complex, and he assured that the review process will be made available to Schmidt and his coaching staff. He remarked that for decisions referred to the Television Match Official (TMO), a clear and obvious reason must be established for any changes to the on-field call. The discussion surrounding these officiating decisions will aid coaches and players in preparing for future matches, fostering a deeper understanding of how such games will be regulated.
Overall, this approach underscores World Rugby’s aim to maintain transparency and support for officials while engaging coaches and teams in dialogue about the intricacies of rugby’s officiating process.