Bryce Lawrence: Highly unlikely to referee a Test again
Controversial New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence's Test career appears to be a thing of the past.
That is the word from SANZAR referees boss Lyndon Bray, who revealed that Lawrence would not be officiating at Test level in the forseeable future.
"From an IRB perspective he has not been selected in the test," Bray told South Africa's Eyewitness News.
"There's a decision that we as selectors in the IRB made back in March. His time is over at that level."
Lawrence was heavily criticised in South Africa for his officiating during the Springboks' World Cup quarter-final loss to the Wallabies.
He has refereed Super Rugby matches this year, but refuses to travel to South Africa allegedly due fears for his safety following numerous threats from the country's supporters.
Bray said because Lawrence would not travel to South Africa it is highly unlikely that he would referee a Test again.
"At this stage he is clearly not on the team," he explained.
"His challenge would be, if it's possible, to find his way back again.
"And I think given the reality and what he's gone through and the situation he's in at the moment that would be a huge ask," added Bray.
Comments
athenrylad says...
I think it is very sad where a referee is castigated for a bad day at the office.
Will it be a regular occurance after each World Cup where a reff is hung out to dry?
Posted 23:20 25th July 2012
leebok says...
@Terry_English
Get real. Australia were not the better team. Playing by IRB rules they would have lost the game. Its about time incompetence is punished. Confirmation that game was affected by the ref.
Posted 20:48 25th July 2012
Terry_English says...
I'm not a big fan of Bryce Lawrence's refereeing but I am so fed up of people blaming the referee when they lose. I don't for one minute think that he makes decisions based on personal bias. He simply is a poor decision-maker under pressure.
darthbok - you need to get over it. South Africa deserved to lose to Australia because they choked. They were the better side on the night but the number of forward passes or knock-ons that they made when it was easier to score was nothing short of inept.
Posted 17:35 25th July 2012
rohan1992 says...
Brace yourselves...the Saffas are coming!
Posted 16:31 25th July 2012
APV1 says...
@ Dangerous - I can't imagine what you mean.
Posted 16:26 25th July 2012
liam2me says...
Irrespective of whether a ref has made a mistake in one game or not, he shouldn't have to quit test rugby and fear for his safety in a country as a result.
The Boks fans who have made threats should be ashamed of themselves and the Boks fans who, like me, find this reprehensible should speak up and put the minority back in their boxes as the disgrace to SA and rugby that they are. We do not want to turn into soccer.
Posted 16:23 25th July 2012
darthbok says...
whats the highest medal that can be given to a citizen of New Zealand ? -- like in england you get the victoria cross, or the george cross -- well bricey shoul be given one -- the `golden Kiwi` for falling on his sword for the all blacks ---` good-on yer bryce`
Posted 16:10 25th July 2012
darthbok says...
what !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no more bryce ! -- well at least he has the comfort of knowing he won the world cup for the all blacks -- bet he has the biggest pension going -- and sponsorship from wonga.com
Posted 16:06 25th July 2012
Dangerous says...
@APV1- wow you are either looking for a fight or trying to be sarcastic. Interested to see what posts are coming after you slung that tasty bait out. Good luck.
Posted 15:46 25th July 2012
APV1 says...
Shame. One of the fairest, most consistent and honourable referees ever to grace a rugby pitch.
I especially liked his officiating against the Boks, which was always even-handed and faultless.
And the so-called "Super" semi-finals are going to be reffed by Joubert and Walsh?! What is the world coming to?
Posted 15:13 25th July 2012