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'Factually incorrect': Reds' Wilson officially warned over ref accusations

By AAP
Harry Wilson of the Reds charges forward during the round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match between Highlanders and Queensland Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on May 26, 2023, in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

Queensland Reds flanker Harry Wilson has received an official “reminder” from Super Rugby Pacific for his comments blasting referee Brendon Pickerill’s handling of teammate Connor Vest’s serious neck injury.

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Vest spent two nights in a Dunedin hospital after he suffered a fractured neck when tackled during the Reds’ 35-30 loss to the Highlanders last Friday, with the visitors’ angered that no rival player was cited.

Wilson claimed Pickerill tried to “rush” Vest from the field, and his comments prompted a review of the incident by SANZAAR.

Tournament organisers issued a statement on Wednesday denying the referee’s actions were inappropriate and addressing Wilson’s comments.

“The review has found that at no stage did the match referee, Brendon Pickerill, attempt to hurry the review of the injury or the removal of the player from the field,” the statement read.

“The comments attributed to Harry Wilson of the Reds in the media are factually incorrect and whilst they may have been well intending in support of a teammate, he has been issued with a reminder that care must be taken with public comments not to impair the public confidence in the integrity of match officials.”

Super Rugby Pacific said the tackle incident was reviewed after the match by the independent citing commissioner, who found no foul play had occurred by the tacklers.

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Vest walked from the field but scans later revealed the fracture. The Reds were hopeful he would not need surgery.

The Reds claimed they previously made three unsuccessful requests for retrospective reviews of dangerous tackles on their players to SANZAAR this season and were set to meet with World Rugby to discuss their issue.

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Jon 9 hours ago
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific

I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.

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