Warren Gatland says a couple of law tweaks could significantly improve the game.
Having spent time consulting with World Rugby’s match officials since stepping away from coaching Wales, Gatland admits he has gained a new appreciation for the pressures referees face – and why consistency remains such a challenge.
“There has been some controversy around yellow and red cards, especially in the high-contact area,” Gatland wrote in his latest column for The Telegraph. “Referees know they are not perfect, but what I see is a group working incredibly hard to get things right.”
From his new vantage point, Gatland says referees are focusing on four key areas: creating space, speeding up ball availability, improving safety and restoring proper contest at scrum and maul time. However, he believes this has not been communicated clearly enough to fans, teams or broadcasters.
“One of the most negative effects on the game can come from commentators saying ‘that’s a terrible decision’ when they don’t fully understand the law,” he noted, calling for greater collaboration and transparency.
Gatland would also like to see officials feel more comfortable admitting mistakes post-match.
“Referees will get more respect when they acknowledge a wrong call rather than trying to defend everything,” he said.
On the laws themselves, Gatland highlighted two specific areas he would change.
The first is the breakdown. He believes any player tackled to ground – even if not held – should be forced to release the ball and get back to their feet before playing on.
“At the moment there’s confusion,” Gatland explained. “This tweak would speed the game up and remove grey areas around releasing and rolling away.”
His second proposed change concerns the 50-22. While he supports the law, Gatland wants it simplified by removing the clause that cancels it if the ball is passed back into a team’s half before the kick.
“Let’s make it simpler for players, referees and fans,” he wrote. “If a player is inside his own half, the 50-22 should be on.”
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Gatland also raised concerns about delays caused by extended TMO reviews. He suggested referees should issue a yellow card more quickly and refer marginal incidents straight to the bunker to keep the game moving.
Above all, Gatland believes referees need stronger backing from World Rugby.
“They are integral to the game,” he wrote. “They’re human, they want to get decisions right – and all of us need to support them.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
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