Arguably the greatest international referee of all time, Welshman Nigel Owens knows a thing or two about the values of rugby.
Today, in a round table conversation for the United Rugby Championship, the 52-year-old was asked about an incident involving Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins in the Guinness Six Nations.
Taking place in Wales’s loss to Italy in round five, Jenkins could be heard on Raynal’s ref mic trying to influence his decision-making, which clearly irked the French referee.
Ref mic catches Wales assistant coach badgering referee
Touching on the topic and the wider discussion around respect in rugby, Owens said, “I think whether as a player or anybody involved on or off the field or as far as the spectators really, the value of respect in rugby is hugely important.”
Continuing on, the 100-cap ref said, “It is something we pride ourselves on, particularly here in the URC.
“When that line is crossed, and it becomes unacceptable, then sanctions or the issues need to be dealt with.
“I was working at the game on Saturday, and I heard the comments between Neil Jenkins and Mathieu Raynal. I thought Mathieu Raynal dealt with it very, very well on the field, and that was dealt with.
“Neil then needs to be reminded that if you are going on the field, when I was on the field, if a water carrier or a coach came on, if he had something to say to me, I didn’t have many issues.
“It was all about how it was said and the context of what was said.
“I don’t think you should be coming on and telling the referee ‘they’re doing this or they’re doing that.’ that’s not what you’re on there for.”
Pointing out that if Jenkins had come on in the right manner and with the right point then Raynal would have been more receptive to a conversation.
“But if he had come on and said something in the right context, then I wouldn’t have too many issues with that.
“But when it becomes you are coming on and having a go at the referee, then that is not acceptable.
“That needs to be dealt with. It might be a quiet word, and then it may be an official warning or letter and then a sanction.
“It all depends on what you feel is appropriate to deal with what was said.”
The full clip with Owens is an interesting conversation and serves as a timely reminder of how crucial the role of respect should play in not only dealing with the match officials but for the game as whole.
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