‘Stop Aussie, Kiwi refereeing virus’

Former Irish referee Owen Doyle has urged World Rugby to halt what he described as an Australian and New Zealand officiating "virus." Writing in The Irish Times, Doyle argued that southern hemisphere refereeing increasingly favors the team in possession. He claimed this dynamic deprives defending teams of fair contests for the ball, pushing rugby union closer to the mechanics of rugby league.

Doyle highlighted Australian referee Angus Gardner's officiating during the Cape Town Test between the Springboks and All Blacks as an example of unchecked illegalities. He argued that South Africa committed unpenalized infractions in the build-up to Jesse Kriel's try, while also criticizing New Zealand for non-contestable lineout throws.