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Hansen calls for referee ‘transparency’

Steve Hansen has urged World Rugby to improve communication around refereeing decisions and make officials more accessible to the rugby public.

By Simon Borchardt · SA Rugby Mag

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 8:56 AM

Key Things to Know

Steve Hansen has urged World Rugby to provide greater transparency and communication regarding refereeing decisions.
Hansen argued that rugby's ambiguous laws cause inconsistent officiating and that World Rugby is accountable.
His comments followed Italian referee Andrea Piardi issuing four late yellow cards to Australia against South Africa.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has called on World Rugby to increase transparency and improve public communication regarding referee decisions. Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Hansen emphasized that officials need to be more accessible, noting that building better relationships would help reduce public criticism of match officials.

Hansen's comments follow controversy over Italian referee Andrea Piardi during the Wallabies' 42-38 victory against the Springboks in Perth. Hansen also argued that ambiguous rugby laws cause inconsistent decision-making, insisting that World Rugby should be held accountable rather than the individual referees.

Read the full article on SA Rugby Mag

Hansen calls for referee ‘transparency’

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