A lot of qualities make a good premiership referee, communication, leadership, authority, and as this clip shows… speed.
During Sunday’s encounter between Harlequins and Leicester Tigers, which Tigers won with a bonus point, it was the wheels shown by referee Adam Leal that has left fans talking.
It was not the first time in the game that Leal was the centre of attention. Supporters at The Stoop could be heard sarcastically clapping several decisions including a seemingly forward pass that lead to a try for Leicester.
Social Media was awash with comments on the refereeing performance come Sunday night, but some high profile ex-players jumped to Neal’s support and said he officiated the game very well.
Thoroughly commanding win for @LeicesterTigers against @Harlequins today in the @premrugby. Completely outmuscled Quins and dominated the breakdown and with their defence. Thought the ref Adam Leal @ADAMtheLEAL had a great game too
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) October 16, 2022
However, it was not Leal’s decisions that has created the biggest conversation online – it was the pace he displayed in the final seconds of the game.
Tigers won a penalty with the clock in the red and with the game and bonus point wrapped up, still kicked to the corner in hope to humiliate their old rivals even more. Their plan didn’t quite work out, and the ball was spilt to Caden Murley under his own posts.
Murley, one of the leagues top performers this season, put his foot down and sprinted virtually the length of the pitch, only to be stopped just sort of the try line by Jack Van Poortvliet.
A handful of Tigers and Quins players had the energy and stamina to keep up with Murley – but one of the men that sprinted the length was ref Adam Leal, and it was nothing short of rapid!
There was plenty to enjoy in London yesterday afternoon – including four tries from the lads to lock down a bonus point.
But, what about this defensive effort from JVP?! đ pic.twitter.com/ma3v1pHAJb
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) October 17, 2022
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