World Rugby boss rejects Schmidt’s clearout claim

Joe Schmidt, the head of World Rugby, refuted claims that the decision at the end of the second Test against the British and Irish Lions constituted a breach of the sport’s player welfare drive.

After reviewing a clearout from flanker Jac Morgan during the Lions’ spirited contest at the MCG, the officials decided not to overturn Hugo Keenan’s match-winning try.

Morgan collided with Australia’s Carlo Tizzano, who claimed he had been struck on the back of the neck as he attempted to lift the ball, near the 5m line, in a ruck.

The television match official (TMO) reviewed the clearance and agreed with referee Andrea Piardi’s initial decision to award the try after the ball was worked out to the left for Keenan to score.

After the Lions’ game, which ended in a 2-0 series lead, Wallabies coach Schmidt claimed the call “didn’t live up to” World Rugby’s emphasis on player welfare.

World Rugby’s executive, Alan Gilpin, stated on the podcast hosted by the Rugby Union Weekly in Sydney, “I don’t agree with that.”

“I am aware that Joe is playing a particular law into the officiating and welfare debate because I am aware that my emotions are high and that Joe is understanding that.”

However, Joe and all the other international coaches are well aware of our significant investment in player welfare, whether it is through the use of instrumented mouthguards throughout the professional game or through all of our investments in science and research.

We’re trying to strike a delicate but crucial balance between a fantastic physical contest and a safe environment for the players. It’s a very difficult balance to strike.

Gilpin said the referees’ body had been going through their customary review of the game over the past few days and that the officials “stand by their decision” and that no one at Rugby Australia would be drawn out of this discussion regarding whether any figures had filed a formal complaint.

We must support our match officials and referees. We do, too. In a single game, he continued, “They’re making 800-plus decisions under incredible pressure in front of a global audience.”

And they don’t make the right choice. But we’ll back them if they’ve made the right choice and have a decision they can support.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Tom Lynagh has questioned whether any findings from the decision-making process should be made public.

On Tuesday, Lynagh said, “I think it’s a grey area.” I believe the public should be informed of the final outcome.

The decision is final, but regrettably, it doesn’t change the fixture’s outcome.

Michael Hooper, the ex-Wallabies captain, has been vocal in the Australian media criticizing Morgan and the Lions for a risky ruck entry.

He continues, saying now is the right time for the hosts to move on and concentrate on their third and final Test this weekend in Sydney.

He claimed in Rugby Union Weekly, “It’s the game, right?” However, these events occur, and if you can learn anything from playing, you must move on.