As the summer internationals and the first-ever Nations Championship approach, officiating is once again under the spotlight. Nigel Owens, the former international referee, shares his thoughts on what changes he would like to see.
Consistency in Foul Play Decisions
Owens emphasizes the need for consistency in how referees handle foul play, particularly when decisions are sent to the bunker. He notes a slight disparity between hemispheres, with Super Rugby often prioritizing entertainment and tries, sometimes at the expense of strict adherence to laws.
“We do tend to see a slight variation depending on where you are,” Owens writes. “In Super Rugby, it’s a slightly different game in terms of approach. They may not be as strict on certain areas as referees on the world stage.”
This summer, southern and northern hemisphere referees will come together, and Owens believes World Rugby must ensure alignment. “What World Rugby has to do is make sure everyone’s aligned and consistent, no matter what tournaments teams play in outside the international window.”
Red Card Sanctions
Owens is clear on red cards: “For me, a straight red should also be a full red, not a 20-minute red card.” He acknowledges that some referees are very technical, while others referee on feel, but warns against allowing too much latitude. The best referees strike a balance, contributing to better games.
Gamesmanship and Cheating
Owens highlights a growing issue: players deliberately holding a tackler in to prevent the referee from rewarding a jackal. “Referees need to be aware of what is essentially cheating,” he says, citing examples from recent URC and European games.
He praises referees for being strong on offside and scrum management, which has led to more open rugby. However, he calls for continued vigilance on foul play, as there was too much inconsistency in the Six Nations regarding red and yellow cards.
“I hope they continue to be strong on that and on refereeing scrums, and dealing with foul play a bit better too,” Owens concludes.
