He wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “Going across to the dark side (only joking!) has given me a whole new perspective and appreciation for the work that the referees are doing.”
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A new respect for referees
“They know they are not perfect. But what I see is a group of people working really hard to rectify the issues.”
“I know how frustrating it can be when calls go against your team, particularly those that fall within the grey area.”
What referees are really focusing on
“Trying to create more space when it comes to teams being able to attack.”
“Focusing on the tackler, and ensuring that the jackaler is completely legal at the breakdown.”
“This is important. There have been some mistakes made around this when it comes to consistency.”
“Ensuring both scrum and maul allow a contest for the ball and are also legal.”
“I do not think these focus areas… have been communicated well enough to the fans, broadcasters and teams.”
Referees should admit mistakes
“They will get more respect when they are reviewing a performance and admit that a decision was wrong.”
“The most negative effect on the game can come from a TV commentator who says things like ‘that was a terrible decision’, but sometimes they are wrong or do not know the law.”
High balls, box kicks and Liam Williams
“That now weights it more heavily for the team kicking the ball… That is why we are now seeing more box kicks in the game.”
“Liam Williams was one player who was brilliant at this.”
Law changes Gatland would make
“If a player is tackled and brought to the ground… I think they should be forced to release the ball and have to get back on their feet before playing it again.”
“Let’s make it simpler for the players, referees and fans.”
TMO delays and the bunker
“In the pursuit of perfection, there can be too many delays.”
“If a referee is convinced an offence is at least a yellow card… just show a yellow card and put the decision to the bunker straight away.”
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Players must take responsibility
“We have increasingly seen players who experience some head contact being encouraged to stay down.”
“I would like to think that there is a responsibility for the players not to go down if they are not injured.”
‘I am not Georgia coach’
“For the record, I am not the new head coach of Georgia.”
“I just do not need this level of negativity from the Welsh media in my life.”
“Some sort of role with a national team going into the next Rugby World Cup could be a good challenge.”
“It would be great for the Premiership if clubs with the history and tradition of Wasps, London Irish and Worcester could make a return.”
2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England get tough group
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Pool A
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Pool B
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.
Pool C
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.
Pool D
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.
Pool E
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.
Pool F
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.
Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.
