Owen Doyle, the former head of IRFU referees, has voiced significant concerns regarding the current experimental phase in rugby's lineout regulations, which he fears may degrade the set-piece into a non-contest much like the scrum. In his latest column for the Irish Times, Doyle criticized the global trial initiated by World Rugby in January 2025, which ceased penalizing crooked lineout throws under certain conditions. He argues this change has led to tactical circumventions that threaten the integrity of the game.
Doyle elaborates on the issues arising from the new lineout rule, "The referee sets things up, ensuring only one receiver is present, but as soon as the hooker throws, several players prematurely exit the lineout, creating multiple receivers and initiating a maul. This not only contravenes the laws but significantly disadvantages the defending team." The former referee is adamant that this manipulation of the lineout rules is a clear deviation from the law book, undermining the contest for possession.
"The law is absolutely clear: No player can leave the lineout until it is over. The throw is just the start, not the end of proceedings."
Further complicating matters, Doyle points out a growing trend of excessive familiarity between players and referees, which he believes detracts from the authority of the officials during matches. This "chumminess," as he describes, was notably evident in a recent United Rugby Championship game officiated by Andrew Brace. Doyle noted that Brace's leniency in the face of persistent dissent did little to curb the players' challenging of decisions.
"He warned players on several occasions without ever achieving the desired result. Strong refereeing means sanctioning players when necessary. Continuous warnings are meaningless – a waste of breath," Doyle stated, emphasizing the need for referees to assert their authority effectively.
The issue of overly familiar interactions between referees and players, according to Doyle, may have originated in the English Premiership, where this approach was first popularized. He criticizes this style for its ineffectiveness and calls for a return to a more formal and authoritative method, reminiscent of the practices once prevalent among Irish referees.
As World Rugby prepares for its June meeting to evaluate the impact of the current law trials, Doyle's insights and criticisms offer a crucial perspective. His call for a reevaluation of both the lineout rule and referee-player communications underscores a broader concern for maintaining the competitive balance and integrity of rugby as a sport.
In conclusion, while the global trial on lineout throws was intended to invigorate competition, Doyle's observations suggest it might be failing in its mission. His critique invites a necessary discussion on how the rules and their enforcement affect the game's essence, urging a strategic rethink to preserve rugby's core values.