Nigel Owens calls for ‘sanctions’ in the wake of Wales coach’s ‘unacceptable’ comments to referee
Former international rugby referee Nigel Owens in 2020.
Former Test referee Nigel Owens has weighed in on the incident which saw Wales coach Neil Jenkins criticised following their game with Italy.
It occurred in the first half of the match on ‘Super Saturday’ as during a stoppage in play, Jenkins, who was the water carrier, came onto the field and used the opportunity to criticise Mathieu Raynal.
The referee hit back, saying: “Your job is to carry to the water,” before Jenkins responded: “And your job is to referee the game.”
The warning
Raynal then told Jenkins it was his “last” warning and that he could stop the coach from entering the field of play for the rest of the Six Nations clash should he persist.
The Wales great was slammed on social media for his comments and general demeanour towards the man in the middle.
World Rugby have not made any statement on the matter, but Owens believes that appropriate action needs to be taken if coaches transgress.
“If he had come on and said something in the right context, then I wouldn’t have too many issues with that,” he said.
“But when you are coming on and having a go at the referee, then that is not acceptable.
“That needs to be dealt with. It might be a quiet word, and then it may be an official warning or letter and then a sanction.
“It all depends on what you feel is appropriate to deal with what was said.”
‘Context’ was the watchword for Owens as the ex-referee had no problem speaking to coaches providing the communication remained respectful.
“When I was on the field, if a water carrier or a coach came on, if he had something to say to me, I didn’t have many issues,” said.
“It was all about how it was said and the context of what was said.
“I don’t think you should be coming on and telling the referee, ‘they’re doing this or they’re doing that.’ That’s not what you’re on there for.”
Praise for Raynal
Owens hailed Raynal for how he de-escalated what could have been a very difficult situation.
“It (respect) is something we pride ourselves on, particularly here in the URC,” he said.
“When that line is crossed, and it becomes unacceptable, then sanctions or the issues need to be dealt with.
“I was working at the game on Saturday, and I heard the comments between Neil Jenkins and Mathieu Raynal. I thought Mathieu Raynal dealt with it very, very well on the field, and that was dealt with.”
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