Former Rugby World Cup final referee Nigel Owens has criticised a try awarded during a schoolboy match in New Zealand, arguing the penalty kick did not meet World Rugby’s laws requiring a genuine attempt at goal. The debate highlights recent rule changes aimed at improving game flow ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
Legendary referee Nigel Owens has weighed in on a contentious schoolboy try that has sparked considerable debate online. The incident occurred during a match between Marlborough Boys’ College and Nelson College in New Zealand, where a penalty taken by Marlborough centre Anru Erasmus resulted in an innovative yet controversial scoring method. Instead of a conventional kick at the posts, Erasmus opted to chip the ball towards the left corner of the field, enabling his teammate Finn Neal to score an uncontested try. The refereeing team awarded the try, believing that the play conformed to the rules.
However, Owens, who boasts significant experience officiating at the highest levels of rugby, including the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, has publicly countered the decision on social media. He argued that the try should not have been awarded, noting the absence of a genuine attempt to kick at goal as stipulated by World Rugby’s regulations. Specifically, under Law 8.20, a team must indicate their intention to kick at goal and then perform a proper kick; failing to do so nullifies any subsequent scoring from that play. Owens asserted that in this case, the penalty should have been annulled, and a scrum awarded instead.
The rules governing such scenarios are crucial to understanding how the game is meant to operate. According to World Rugby, the intention to take a kick must be clearly communicated—this can be signalled through various means including the arrival of the kicking tee or sand, or when a player marks the ground. This stipulation not only upholds the integrity of the game but ensures that all teams compete on a level playing field.
Under recent changes approved by World Rugby, the emphasis has been placed on enforcing existing laws to facilitate smoother gameplay. A series of directives taking effect from January 2023 aim to reduce time-wasting and speed up the game. These include a shot clock that mandates that kickers take their penalty shots within 60 seconds of indicating their intent. Such measures are designed to enhance the spectator experience, particularly in the lead-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and signify a shift towards a more dynamic format.
With the introduction of these law amendments, there is a clear push for a more fluid game, with the governing body already working towards future changes. A new set of rule adjustments due in July 2024 will further fine-tune aspects of play, including offside laws following kicks and measures to prevent certain negative player actions. This progressive approach reflects the evolving nature of rugby, aiming to attract a broader, younger fanbase while maintaining the sport’s storied traditions.
The discussion surrounding this particular try underscores the importance of clarity and adherence to the rules, which serve as the backbone of both grassroots and professional rugby. As the sport continues to grow, engaging with its laws and regulations becomes ever more critical in ensuring fair play and enhancing the overall enjoyment for players and fans alike.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no prior reports found online. The incident occurred recently, and the report provides detailed analysis, suggesting freshness. However, the absence of corroborating sources raises questions about its authenticity. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes attributed to Nigel Owens, but no online matches were found for these specific statements. This suggests the quotes may be original or exclusive content. However, the lack of corroboration raises questions about their authenticity. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, a reputable UK newspaper. However, the specific article cannot be found online, raising concerns about its authenticity. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The incident described is plausible, involving a schoolboy rugby match in New Zealand and a controversial try. Nigel Owens is known for his outspoken views on rugby laws, making his criticism credible. However, the lack of corroborating sources and the inability to verify the quotes raise questions about the report's authenticity. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a plausible and timely account of a controversial schoolboy try in New Zealand, with direct quotes attributed to Nigel Owens. However, the inability to find the specific article online, the lack of corroborating sources, and the unverifiable quotes raise concerns about its authenticity. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.