Former referee Nigel Owens has expressed concerns over a new law trial in Super Rugby Pacific, predicting it will lead to inconsistent refereeing decisions and potentially encourage foul play. The law in question, 8.3, now allows referees the discretion to not issue cards when a penalty try is awarded—a shift Owens believes could undermine the sport's integrity.
Owens discussed the rule change with ex-international referee Wayne Barnes, revealing their dialogue on World Rugby’s Whistle Watch show. “Wayne and I had a good debate about this. He aligns with Super Rugby’s perspective that it shouldn’t have to be a double penalty, but I’m not convinced,” Owens remarked. He argued that the absence of an automatic card could embolden players to commit infractions without the fear of harsher penalties. “If players think they won’t be sent off, what’s stopping them from committing deliberate fouls to prevent a try?” he questioned.
"What they are doing here now is technically rewarding a negative act."
The discussion also featured former Lions centre Jamie Roberts, who pointed out that referees still have the option to issue a card. Owens responded, “Yes, but that introduces inconsistency. One incident might see a maul collapse lead to a yellow card and a penalty try, another just a penalty try. You’re giving players a gamble that might undermine the deterrent effect of the laws.”
Owens did see potential benefits in the trial, citing a Six Nations incident where Wales’ Taine Plumtree was carded for a high tackle during a try-scoring attempt. “That scenario at Twickenham with Plumtree was unfortunate. Under this new rule, you wouldn’t card the player for what wasn’t a cynical act but rather unlucky timing,” he conceded.
While the legendary referee acknowledges the trial’s intent to refine the game’s fairness, he remains skeptical about its application and the broader implications for game consistency and player behavior. His insights underscore a critical debate in rugby about balancing law enforcement with the fluidity and spirit of the game.
2,100 posts
Former referee Nigel Owens has expressed concerns over a new law trial in Super Rugby Pacific, predicting it will lead to inconsistent refereeing decisions and potentially encourage foul play. The law in question, 8.3, now allows referees the discretion to not issue cards when a penalty try is awarded—a shift Owens believes could undermine the sport's integrity.
Owens discussed the rule change with ex-international referee Wayne Barnes, revealing their dialogue on World Rugby’s Whistle Watch show. “Wayne and I had a good debate about this. He aligns with Super Rugby’s perspective that it shouldn’t have to be a double penalty, but I’m not convinced,” Owens remarked. He argued that the absence of an automatic card could embolden players to commit infractions without the fear of harsher penalties. “If players think they won’t be sent off, what’s stopping them from committing deliberate fouls to prevent a try?” he questioned.
"What they are doing here now is technically rewarding a negative act."
The discussion also featured former Lions centre Jamie Roberts, who pointed out that referees still have the option to issue a card. Owens responded, “Yes, but that introduces inconsistency. One incident might see a maul collapse lead to a yellow card and a penalty try, another just a penalty try. You’re giving players a gamble that might undermine the deterrent effect of the laws.”
Owens did see potential benefits in the trial, citing a Six Nations incident where Wales’ Taine Plumtree was carded for a high tackle during a try-scoring attempt. “That scenario at Twickenham with Plumtree was unfortunate. Under this new rule, you wouldn’t card the player for what wasn’t a cynical act but rather unlucky timing,” he conceded.
While the legendary referee acknowledges the trial’s intent to refine the game’s fairness, he remains skeptical about its application and the broader implications for game consistency and player behavior. His insights underscore a critical debate in rugby about balancing law enforcement with the fluidity and spirit of the game.