In world rugby, the referees have one of the toughest jobs. Every one of their decisions could have a major impact on the outcome of the game, and possibly the season.
Every referee has to make difficult decisions and will get criticized at some point in time by players, coaches and most often, the fans.
The best referees around are those who can live with criticism and can make the correct decision most of the time.
However, there have been a number of blatant blunders by officials in the past.
Here are, according to a poll of rugby fans, the three worst decisions made at Rugby World Cup’s.
Worst Rugby World Cup Decisions:
#3. Craig Joubert – Scotland v Australia RWC QF 2015
Scotland fans still haven’t forgiven Joubert for erroneously awarding Australia a late penalty.
The play should have seen the Wallabies been given a scrum feed, instead Bernard Foley kicked the goal and Australia went to the semis after a 35-34 win.
In addition, Joubert was also criticised by former Scottish captain Gavin Hastings and former Scotland winger Kenny Logan for rushing from the field immediately after the match ended, rather than shaking hands with the players and fellow officials, as is the tradition.[
Craig Joubert facts:
- Joubert took up refereeing in 1995 as a teenager, when he was encouraged to do so by his father Des, who was also a referee at provincial level.
- He initially worked in corporate banking for a period of five years, before deciding to take up full-time refereeing, becoming a member of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Rugby Referees’ Society.
- He retired from refereeing 15-a-side matches at the end of 2016 to take up a role as a Referee Talent Development Coach at World Rugby
- Joubert became the youngest referee to ever referee a World Cup final in 2011