‘Your job is to referee the game’ – Heated exchange between Wales coach and referee during Six Nations clash

Jared Wright
Refere Matthieu Raynal and a screengrab of his spat with Neil Jenkins during the Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Refere Matthieu Raynal and a screengrab of his spat with Neil Jenkins during the Six Nations match in Cardiff.

The Six Nations match in Cardiff on Saturday was not without its share of drama, as Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins and referee Matthieu Raynal found themselves in a heated exchange.

Jenkins was not pleased with Raynal after he failed to award Wales a penalty for a high tackle and expressed his views when he came onto the pitch as a water carrier in the 24th minute of the game at the Principality Stadium.

The incident

Wales launched an attack from a scrum, and Tomos Williams looked to have been tackled high as he linked up with his teammates, but the attack was spoiled by a knock-on soon after, resulting in a scrum for the Italians.

The stoppage in play and an issue with Elliot Dee’s boots meant that water was permitted to be brought on, and Jenkins came on to do so and took the opportunity to criticise the French referee.

The disagreement between Jenkins and Raynal escalated, with the assistant coach persistently questioning the referee about the high tackle, fueling the tension on the field.

Referee Mathieu Raynal and Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins argue during the 2024 Six Nations match at Principality Stadium.

Referee Mathieu Raynal and Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins argue during the 2024 Six Nations match at Principality Stadium.

Raynal eventually snapped back by saying: “Your job is to carry to the water.”

Jenkins replied, “And your job is to referee the game.”

The Frenchman did not take that remark lightly and warned Jenkins that it was his “last” warning and was on thin ice with the match official, who could send him to the stands and stop him from bringing on water for the rest of the game.

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Plenty on the line

It was a tense encounter in Cardiff as both sides entered the game looking to avoid a bottom-place finish in the Six Nations.

Wales had lost their first four fixtures in the Championship, while Italy have had one of the best tournaments in recent years, drawing with France and defeating Scotland.

Italy started the fixture brighter with Monty Ioane’s try and two Paolo Garbisi penalties, giving the Azzurri a 11-0 lead at half-time.

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