Rugby World Cup referee offers interesting ‘press conference’ idea to improve accountability

International referee Mathieu Raynal is open to the idea of explaining his performances to the media after matches have ended.

Following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup, there has been a debate around officiating and how the game can be improved.

The bunker system has come under fire, even from the match officials themselves, while some believe that the laws need altering.

Bunker issues

Communication, or a lack of, was also a complaint, especially with the ‘bunker’ that was introduced by World Rugby in the global tournament.

Yellow cards for foul play were sent to an independent official, who then decided whether it should stay the same or be upgraded.

While the result of that review was relayed to the captains and could be heard over the ref mic, the process of coming to that decision was not.

Accountability is something that Raynal wants to be improved and has suggested hosting what would in effect be a press conference following the end of the match.

That would allow him to apologise if any mistakes have been made but also help to explain to the supporters and the media, as well as the players and coaches, why he came to those decisions.

“I said, before the World Cup, when we discussed how we should communicate in front of the press if there had been a mistake that changed the game,” he told the Telegraph.

“My view on that is we have to keep it very simple – I go and sit on a chair, and explain, ‘OK, guys, I made a mistake. The game was so quick, I made a mistake of judgement. I’m not sorry about it, as my job is to referee and mistakes can happen, but I am sad about it – but it is what it is. What do you want me to do? I will not jump off the top of a building because I made a mistake on the field.’ It’s the life of the referees.”

Threats against officials

Officiating decisions are coming more and more under the microscope, which is contributing to the abuse that they are receiving.

Wayne Barnes was the victim of online threats following the World Cup final, while New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe became France’s public enemy number one after their defeat to South Africa.

Although a press conference wouldn’t alleviate all that anger, Raynal believes that supporters in particular would be far more accepting if there was some sort of explanation in the immediate aftermath.

“I hope we will keep the relationship between the coaches, referees, players and fans as simple as we can,” he added. “It’s easier when you say to fans, ‘Yeah I made a mistake.’ What can we do after that?”

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