The rugby world was stunned on Friday night after a strange moment involving a referee being hoisted into the air by a player.
Official Laurent Millotte was visibly shocked when Nevers winger Josaia Raisuqe grabbed him from behind and lifted him above his shoulders after he blew the final whistle to confirm victory over Beziers in the French ProD2 match.
Here’s how social media has reacted:
Nigel Owens wrote: “As so many of you are asking what I would have done here. I’d have blown the whistle and said “I’d want to be on Strictly come Dancing before I agreed to be lifted like that”
Andy Goode responded to the referee saying: “Well played on the retirement plan Nigel! Are you saying come and get me Strictly?!”
But the popular Welshman responded: “I’ve got two left feet Goodey and no rhythm at all ha.”
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LIST | The day jobs of your favourite rugby referees
Here’s the rundown on how they make extra cash when not taking to the field.
1. Wayne Barnes – Barrister
The 41-year-old is an English international rugby union referee and barrister. It was law he studied at university and a career as a barrister he pursued after graduating, but as he started to progress up the ranks as a referee the RFU offered to employ him in 2005. He’s now refereed more Premiership games than any other official.
