SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby – the governing body of the Super 14 and Tri-Nations tournaments) has formally cited Reds coach Eddie Jones over comments made after the team’s 6-3 loss to the Brumbies at the weekend.
SANZAR officials have studied comments made on radio and in the post-game Media Conference on Saturday.
The comments relate to referee Matt Goddard’s handling of the scrums in the Reds-Brumbies game.
“After studying the comments made and meeting today with the Tournament Director this morning, the matter’s been referred to Judicial Officer Terry Willis,” ARU and current SANZAR CEO Gary Flowers said on Monday.
“I attended the Reds-Brumbies game and the content of the comments by the coach about the match referee was referred to me shortly after it,” Mr Flowers said.
“There was a clear message issued to all teams, coaches and administrators before the start of this Investec Super 14 season that there would be zero tolerance of public criticism of referees and officials.
“Coaches know that there is a process by which they can engage match officials after games.
“Statistics out today actually reveal that there are fewer average penalties, scrum resets and free kicks per game in this year’s Super 14 competition than in the previous two years, so complaints that referees are penalising teams out of the game don’t stand up,” Mr Flowers added.
The Judicial Officer will conduct a hearing in the next 48 hours in Brisbane.
365 Digital
