Refs prepare for war

We all know referees cop a bit of abuse during games, but this year’s officials at the Rugby World Cup took to extraordinary lengths to prepare for the tournament.

The team of referees, assistant referees and television match officials selected for the tournament this year look as if they are preparing for war on the field as they spent the last few days on a team-building exercise with the Royal Marines.

We’re not sure what they normally see at the bottom of a ruck, but the refs were given expert anti-terrorism training on how to clear a room. Hopefully this will allow them to clear players away from the base of the ruck and allow as much clean and quick ball as possible for teams.

The team-building, which took place at the Royal Marines base in Exeter was organised by World Rugby and allowed the refs to see first hand how marines train for combat and to experience their training at the base.

Apart from the normal obstacle course, referees were shown how to clear a room full of terrorists using specialist techniques while they also spent time on the water with the speedboats to facilitate combat scenarios.

Their final task was to rescue two hostages from a house full of bad guys, although it wasn’t clear if this was in anticipation at an angry crowd who takes issue with their decisions during the tournament. At least we know if that happens, they will be equipped to save their colleagues.

The team-building was described as “great fun” and was meant to bring the reffing teams closer together ahead of what should be a tough World Cup.