World Rugby issue statement over TMO decision at Twickenham

World Rugby has issued a statement over Wales’ disallowed try against England at Twickenham last Saturday.

The world governing body told BBC Sport Wales:

“World Rugby has clarified to the Wales team management as part of the usual review process with teams that the TMO made an error in the application of law during the England versus Wales match at Twickenham. In accordance with law 21.1 b Wales should have been awarded a try as the Wales player grounded the ball.”

Gareth Anscombe appeared to have beaten Anthony Watson to the ball to score a first half try, but the TMO Glenn Newman ruled it out.

A frustrated Warren Gatland described it after the match as a “terrible mistake”

Wales head coach Warren Gatland criticises TMO decision 

Gatland’s assistant Rob Howley also claimed Alain Rolland, the former referee who heads up World Rugby’s team of elite match officials, has spoken to the Wales camp to admit to the error on behalf of his personnel.

“I know Warren Gatland spoke to Alain Rolland, and they confirmed that the TMO made a mistake,” said Howley.

“It was good to have dialogue with World Rugby. That phone call took place – I think it was Monday – and Alain Rolland confirmed on behalf of World Rugby that the TMO made a mistake.

“It’s happened. It is disappointing that happens in professional sport, but we focus on the next two weeks and getting ourselves ready for Ireland.

“There was plenty of time after that decision. We had a couple of opportunities which we should have taken.”

Wales lost 12-6 at Twickenham, to end their hopes of a Grand Slam. They will be looking to get their Six Nations campaign back on track in Dublin.

Leigh Halfpenny, Dan Biggar and Taulupe Faletau are all expected to be in contention to start, will all three to return to full training by the end of the week.

However winger Alex Cuthbert is out, because of a knee injury.