Concerns growing over rugby referees

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Harlequins director of rugby Richards and Jones, who holds the same position with Saracens, are dismayed by the inconsistency of officials and both fear the season could be severely affected.

Richards was incensed by events at Gloucester last weekend when his opposite number Dean Ryan sought out the referee at half time to complain about his control of the controversial tackle/ruck situation.

He believes the result was a penalty count heavily weighed against Quins, who lost 24-20.

Richards said: "Coaches and players are pulling their hair out because you do not know what's going to happen next.

"We try and prepare for the referee who is taking charge of our next match, but the amount of second guessing at the moment is unbelievable.

"There isn't any consistency from one match to the next and that is something every coach and player wants to see. Frustration is building up."

The current problems have been ignited by the introduction of experimental law variations which are changing the type of rugby being served up for the fans and Jones believes referees are ignoring "old laws" in order to concentrate on the new ones, most notably at the break down.

"There are still problems and great indecision about the tackle and ruck and what is allowed," said Jones.

"I believe referees are looking so hard at the ELV's they find it difficult to see the other laws. The line out has become an extremely difficult area.

"The ball is being slapped down to the scrum half, players are being squashed and it's a result of the referees looking at other areas."

Meanwhile, Wasps will not appeal against the one game ban imposed on James Haskell for illegal use of the head against Worcester.

Director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: "We are very satisfied with the disciplinary process and the way in which it was conducted — we will not be appealing."