"Never apologised" - Jaco Peyper on the worst rugby players to referee

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…

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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,” 

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." 

On Marler: “He was always a funny one on the field in nice way. You’d be trying to tell him something serious and he’d just want to have a laugh and a joke. But he does bring a smile to your face. That is what is unique about our sport, the interaction between players and refs and refs and coaches. It does show our sport off in a good light.”

On Dawson: "Scrum-halves are always the worst, especially Matt."

On Johnson: “I was always petrified of Martin Johnson because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership."

On Goode: "He always made me smile as he made me look athletic when we were on the same pitch. However, the humorous players always keep you on your toes and if they get opportunity to pick you up on a slight faux pas, they will. I once mentioned to Andy Goode that him and his team mates were all appealing for far too many decisions and told him that it sounded like there were 15 referees on the pitch. “And you’re not even in the top 10” was his reply."

On McCaw: "I’ve been on the field with some of the great captains, John Smit, Sam Warburton and Richie McCaw. Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time, sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field. He knew the law book inside out and so when he asked a question, he often had a point."

On Healey: “Definitely Austin Healey. I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully. A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty say and quickly assumed I didn’t like him. He’s actually blocked me on Twitter, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”

On O'Gara and Stringer: “Definitely! ROG and (Peter) Stringer, oh, when you had to referee the two of them together. I always got on well with the both of them though. I have a huge amount of respect for them, but they made my days hard on occasions. They were lippy in a respectful way.”

On Biggar: “Oh god yes. He’s so focused and so passionate about what he’s doing, we’ve had a few run ins on the pitch down the years. I mean, it’s always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game.

On Itoje: "He is someone who plays right on the edge. That is what makes him such a great player. Itoje must be so difficult to play against but he’s also difficult to referee and I mean that with the utmost respect. He plays with passion and on the line. It is difficult to tell Itoje not to bring the same confrontation and aggression to the game that he usually does. It would take away from his game. You don’t want him to change the way he plays but he needs to pick and choose when he gambles on the situation and when he doesn’t. And understand better those moments when you are under pressure and knowing when, if you take a risk and get it wrong, you will land your team in real trouble."

On Coetzee: "I think one of the toughest players I’ve refereed would be Marcel Coetzee. He’s such a physical player who never takes a backward step.”

On Sexton: "I'll answer this question properly when I retire but I've had a few run-ins with (Johnny) Sexton down the years. He's a top player but sometimes he pushes his luck."