Rugby fans, brace yourselves for some controversy! Nigel Owens, the legendary Welsh referee, has found himself in the spotlight again following a heated debate over a Rugby Championship game. It all kicked off after Owens critiqued a key moment in the South Africa vs Australia match on World Rugby’s ‘Whistle Watch.’ Owens flagged a mistake by referee James Doleman surrounding Aphelele Fassi’s tackle on Andrew Kellaway, suggesting a yellow card should have been given to Fassi.
However, some viewers were far from pleased, especially since World Rugby’s video asked if the Wallabies were “robbed.” The debate spiralled, reminiscent of the Rassie Erasmus incident back in 2021. The controversy prompted World Rugby to pull the video altogether.
Responding to the backlash, Owens took to social media to explain his side: “Whistle Watch addresses fan questions around big game moments. This wasn’t an attack on Doleman but an explanation based on agreed insights from referees.”
Australian rugby writer Brett McKay described World Rugby’s move as a “horrible look,” arguing that current referees shouldn’t be called out by former ones. But Owens maintained that transparency is key to preventing referee abuse.
While debate rages on, it’s clear this controversy isn’t over yet. What are your thoughts? Should ex-referees comment on current referee decisions, or should discussions like this stay behind closed doors? Let us know in the comments below! 🏉🔥