International rugby union referees have a pretty tough gig.
It’s their job to officiate 30 players who are desperate to win in front of tens of thousands of supporters who complain and abuse you for every decision you make.
Yes, they’re probably well rewarded financially but is there another job in the world where you get as much abuse and scrutiny by so many people? Probably not.
In fairness, dissent in international rugby isn’t as big of a problem compared to something like football.
But who are the worst players to manage in rugby history?
Well, we’ve discovered quotes from six of the world’s finest officials down the years who told stories about trying to control some of football’s bad boys.
Interestingly, one name cropped up on three occasions…
Jaco Peyper – Johnny Sexton
The two had a number of run-ins down the years, which culminated with the 2023 Champions Cup final.
The EPCR has made available the complete transcript of the disciplinary proceedings concerning Johnny Sexton, which features comprehensive testimonies from the officials involved as well as the player’s own account of the incident.
This extensive 36-page document released by the EPCR encompasses the six-hour-long disciplinary hearing and includes detailed testimonies from Peyper and his assistants.
“I was very pleased that nobody on my team of four reacted,” said Peyper
“I have not received any contact post-match around this matter from Leinster or Johnny Sexton, and also no explanation or apology of any form for this conduct,”
Matthew Carley – Steve Borthwick
On Borthwick: “A difficult question. When I first started refereeing in the Premiership Steve Borthwick was one of the guys who was pretty intimidating.
“He saw that everything was on ‘his terms, whether you like it or not’. He had such presence. I think you learn how to deal with people like that as a ref, but Steve Borthwick, was as tough as they come.”
