ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Warburton red card 2011 - the decision that rocked world rugby

BY Shaywaterworth  ·  Monday Jul 20, 2020

Wales legend Sam Warburton was famously shown a red card in the first half of the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final against France.

ADVERTISEMENT

The open side flanker made a brutal dump tackle on French winger Vincent Clerc which referee Alain Rolland decided was worthy of a straight red card in the 18th minute at Eden Park.

Commentators and pundits were outraged by the decision and while Wales head coach Warren Gatland and Warburton expressed their disappointment, they were gracious in defeat after the French came away with a 9-8 win in Auckland.

To this day it remains one of the most controversial decisions in world rugby and arguably cost Wales a spot in the final against the All Blacks.

Related Articles

  • 55 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 64 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 65 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    The Gallagher Premiership is back - A thrilling match at Tottenham

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Sensational score at the Stadio Olympico

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 25 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 143 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All