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World Rugby boss disappointed in Schmidt questioning player safety push / Photo: DAVID GRAY - AFP
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World Rugby boss disappointed in Schmidt questioning player safety push
World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin Tuesday said he was disappointed in Australia coach Joe Schmidt questioning the governing body's commitment to player safety after a controversial late try in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
Lions wing Hugo Keenan touched down in the last minute at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday with the match and series-winning try given by Italian referee Andrea Piardi after a video review.
A furious Schmidt was adamant it should not have stood, pointing to a high clean-out in the lead up by Jac Morgan on Carlo Tizzano, with Australian rugby boss Phil Waugh backing the assessment.
In his post-match comments, Schmidt insisted that contact with Tizzano was made above the shoulders, which made it illegal.
"Our perspective is, we felt it was a decision that doesn't really live up to the big player safety push that they're talking about," he said.
Gilpin, in Sydney to launch the 2027 men's World Cup ticketing program, told reporters it was disappointing, but Schmidt would not face disciplinary action.
"It's disappointing when the reaction is one of 'this means player welfare isn't taken seriously' because we have worked really hard on that narrative," he said.
"Everyone knows we're putting player welfare in its broadest sense at the top of the agenda.
"I think Joe's comments have continued to respect the fact that the match officials have got a tough job to do," he added.
World Rugby has been conducting a review into the incident in conjunction with Australia, the Lions and match officials which is expected to be concluded this week.
Gilpin said Piardi and his assistants were being supported amid the backlash.
"In those tight contests, decisions made in crucial moments inevitably draw a lot of scrutiny," he said.
"While World Rugby has stated that we do not publicly comment on match officials' decisions or performance, given the nature of the commentary surrounding last weekend, I just wanted to express our support for the team of match officials involved."
D.Ch. Nadeau--SMC
