Former Irish Referee Urges World Rugby to Halt Law Changes
Former Irish referee Owen Doyle has intensified his criticism of World Rugby, calling for an immediate halt to ongoing alterations to the laws of the game. Doyle’s renewed appeal follows a compelling Six Nations weekend, highlighted by Ireland’s dominant 42-21 victory over England at Twickenham.
Frustration with Constant Tinkering
Doyle, who served as referee boss at the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) for two decades, argues that the current laws are sound and that continuous adjustments risk undermining the essence of rugby union. He expressed his concerns in a recent column for the Irish Times, stating, “Those who wish to tinker with them must be resisted. Rugby union is not and must not become an all-singing, all-dancing game.”
He specifically targeted World Rugby chair Brett Robinson, suggesting that the governing body is rushing into changes without sufficient consideration. “Even if that means disobliging the new World Rugby chair, Brett Robinson, who seems to be in an almighty hurry to change things. World Rugby’s constituent unions should not follow suit – there is absolutely no need,” Doyle wrote.
Ireland’s Victory Fuels Argument
The emphatic win for Ireland against England has further solidified Doyle’s stance. He believes the match showcased the virtues of the existing rules, emphasizing the importance of contests, individual brilliance and open, running rugby. “It was a wondrous match – and that’s the story of the Six Nations to date,” Doyle commented.
Scrum Concerns and Southern Hemisphere Influence
Doyle’s concerns extend to specific areas of the game, notably the scrum. He points to a trend, driven by New Zealand and Australia, to “depower” the scrum, citing recent law trials in Super Rugby that aim to reduce its impact. As highlighted in the Irish Times, the scrum has become a point of contention, with concerns about player safety and the integrity of the set-piece.
Despite England dominating the scrum against Ireland, conceding five penalties in the process, it did not translate into a positive result on the scoreboard. Doyle notes this demonstrates that scrum dominance isn’t the decisive factor some in Australia and New Zealand believe it to be. He suggests that teams need to excel across all facets of the game.
Borthwick’s Dilemma
Doyle likewise commented on the situation facing England’s coach, Steve Borthwick, stating, “Steve Borthwick now finds himself firmly on the horns of a very different beast, a horrible dilemma. The chariot has lost more than its wheels, and selection-wise the coach has to decide whether to stick or twist.”
Call for Union Resistance
Doyle urges World Rugby’s unions to resist the proposed changes and to speak out against what he perceives as unnecessary tinkering. He believes that staying silent is not an option if they seek to preserve the character of the game. Planet Rugby reports that Doyle is adamant that the game is currently in a good place and does not require radical alteration.