TMO usage to potentially be limited by World Rugby

World Rugby is considering handing more power to the referees on field by limiting the use of the Television Match Official.

This consideration follows a SANZAAR review into the TMO matter, which admitted to “some challenges” during the June tests and Super Rugby season.

Brett Gosper of World Rugby suggested at the Sevens World Cup this past weekend in San Francisco that changes could be seen as early as November.

“There is probably too much reliance at the moment on the TMO,” Gosper said. “The feeling in the room is that we would like referees, themselves, to take a bit more control. That’s something that we are going to work through.”

SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos acknowledged the need for change in an official statement last week saying, “A major concern for us at present is the practical implementation of the television match official (TMO) protocols. The protocols are clearly not working and a specific review is required in this area.”

“SANZAAR believes the appointed referee needs to remain the key decision maker on the field and that TMO interventions only provide context to the match officials’ decision making.”