What is Rugby? » Laws & Refereeing

How to start a fight in a rugby match

Vic Drover — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:28:23 +0000

This lack of appropriate disciplinary action on the pitch by the referee endangers the players and sets a terrible example for a sport that is trying to break into the mainstream in many countries including Canada and the USA.

Referees not up for the first Lions test

Vic Drover — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:10:50 +0000

This type of match demands a lot of the match officials, but it appears that today, they were not up top the challenge. It started early on when the Lions, behind 7-0, broke the line and Ugo Monye rumbled over the try line in the corner. As the grounding was questionable, the referee right called on the Television Match Official (TMO) for clarification.

Survival of the smartest – England personifies the rugby stereotype and validates harsh refereeing

Vic Drover — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:10:56 +0000

If England are being more closely watched by the referees (and the fact that the Welsh were not penalized as severely as the English supports this notion) I think this is completely appropriate. The onus is then on the team to keep a good ‘reputation’ by respecting the laws.

Firm refereeing at the international level: thank-you Jonathon Kaplan!

Vic Drover — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:45:40 +0000

None of this compares however to the feeling i get while watching test rugby. Since the skill level is so high, the referees generally allow many things that would be free-kicks or penalties at the amateur level. The best example is the use of hands in the ruck. It is generally now accepted that the ball carrier will twist his body (when possible) and stick the ball out of the back of the ruck. It is very rare these days to actually see other participants in the ruck actually using their feet to free-up the ball.

Waterboy-cum-Captain – have your say

Vic Drover — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:53:46 +0000

I don't know about you, but having a player with so much experience and so much access to the coaching staff smells a little funny to me.

How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Rugby and Love the Stellenbosch Experimental Laws

Vic Drover — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:42:58 +0000

The ELVs remain controversial as they amount to a revolution in the way rugby is played. Aimed to render rugby faster, more exciting, and simpler for both fans and officials, it is clear that the IRB is attempting to create a more ‘viewer friendly’ sport. What is not apparent is the dirty little secret exposed by the proposed law changes:

Paddy O’Brien explains the Stellenbosch experimental law variations, Part 1

Vic Drover — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 16:27:41 +0000

International Rugby Board Referee Manager Paddy O’Brien explains the Stellenbosch experimental law variations and their status with the IRB. This is part 1 of the 20 minute video.

Watch Part 2 of this video.

International Rugby Board Referee Manager Paddy O'Brien explains the Stellenbosch experimental law variations and their status with the IRB. This is part 1 of the 20 minute video. Watch Part 2 of this video.

Paddy O’Brien explains the Stellenbosch experimental law variations, Part 2

Vic Drover — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 16:26:41 +0000

International Rugby Board Referee Manager Paddy O’Brien explains the Stellenbosch experimental law variations and their status with the IRB. This is part 2 of the 20 minute video.