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Former top ref Andre Watson has message for today's crop of officials

By Chris Jones
Andre Watson /Getty

Former top official Andre Watson believes current international referees are too sensitive to criticism while they are happy to accept praise and the benefits that come with the role.

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Criticism of referees has been brought sharply into focus by the World Rugby investigation in Rassie Eramus’a hour-long video in which he highlighted mistakes made by referee Nic Berry in the Springboks’ 22-17 first Test loss to the British & Irish Lions in July.

According to Rapport, Watson, who took charge of two Rugby World Cup finals, believes that international referees have to take responsibility for their actions and accept that criticism comes with the territory. “My feeling has always been, and still is, that if referees want to blow at that level, they have to take responsibility for their actions,” said Watson who had the whistle for the violent World Cup final between Australia and France in 1999 and England’s extra-time victory against Australia in 2003.

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“Along with the recognition, money and benefits also comes criticism and it does not make sense to me that recognition and praise are accepted by referees and their bosses, but not criticism. Or at least not in public. It comes with the territory. I feel the referees are too sensitive about this.

“My opinion is that rugby can only improve and the supporters, coaches, players and officials will better understand referees’ performances and will accept referees more if there is more transparency. The open and honest communication between referee and coach is very important,” he said.

Watson was also in charge of seven Currie Cup finals as well as five Super Rugby finals. Watson announced his retirement from test rugby prior to the July 2004 match between Australia and the Pacific Islanders. He made a comeback three months later, refereeing the first match of the qualification round for 2007 Rugby World Cup between Andorra and Norway. He also served as Manager of Referees for the South African Rugby Union.

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Bull Shark 3 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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