RFU’s head of professional game match officials, Paul Hull, has issued a statement clarifying referee Karl Dickson’s decision not to issue a second yellow card to Danny Care during Saturday’s match.
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The clash between Harlequins and Northampton Saints was overshadowed by controversy, as many questioned Dickson’s reluctance to send off his former teammate, Care.
The focus of much of the debate has revolved around Dickson’s previous affiliation as a Harlequins player and his past camaraderie with Care.
Addressing the push off the ball on Ramm from Care, Hull explained with the following bullet points:
- Ramm overran potential ruck, running an offload line. If a ruck had been formed, he’d have entered from the side.
- Dickson assessed the situation, lack of potential offload from Augustus. Deemed a penalty kick was sufficient.
Hull added on the tackle on Mitchell:
- No ruck formed, only a tackle. Care comes into the tackle only space while onside.
- Mitchell is in possession of the ball, Dickson confirms this with the TMO.
- Nothing illegal with this action/incident.
Finally, addressing Dickson initially going to his pocket, Hull concluded:
- Dickson initially thought that ruck had been formed and Care had cynically played the 9 while off feet.
- Had a doubt it was tackle only so removed his hand from his pocket to fully assess the situation.
- Once all the information gathered, he deemed PK only for Care for the push on Ramm.
England handed easy pool for 2027 Rugby World Cup
The new format will feature six pools of four teams, with a round of 16 added prior to the quarter-finals.
This will enable the tournament window to be reduced from seven to six weeks, while promoting a rhythm that builds momentum across the pool phase and respects the same minimum number of rest days between matches as at France 2023.
If the 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw was made tomorrow, this is what the Pools may look like (based on rankings)
2027 Rugby World Cup draw (Current rankings)
POOL A
- South Africa
- Japan
- Georgia
- Hong Kong
POOL B
- Ireland
- Fiji
- Samoa
- Chile
