Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree sanctioned by World Rugby
Friday 9 October 2015 19:22, UK
England coaches Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree will have restricted match-day access in the World Cup Pool A fixture against Uruguay after being found to have breached the match officials' protocol, World Rugby has announced.
The pair will not be allowed to access the tunnel area at Manchester City Stadium and/or changing room area during the period comprising 15 minutes prior to kick-off, during half-time or during the period 10 minutes following full-time.
During these periods, they must remain in the designated coaches' box area and/or the seating area reserved for non-playing team members.
The breach of protocol occurred during Saturday's 33-13 defeat by Australia at Twickenham. The charges were promptly admitted by Farrell and Rowntree and the independent judicial officer, who was able to call on use of CCTV footage, determined that "this action could not be described as an insignificant incident".
The coaches and the Rugby Football Union have also been reprimanded and warned over their future conduct, in particular with regard to complying with the match officials' protocol.
In the written decision published by World Rugby, Farrell and Rowntree are found to have exchanged words with assistant referees Marius Mitrea and George Clancy over the scrum.
The statement of Australia coach Michael Cheika suggests that Clancy was forced to intervene during the flashpoint in the tunnel at Twickenham.
Cheika said: "I heard Mr Farrell say something in a raised voice in the direction of the match officials, following which I saw Mr Clancy step forward and move between the match official and the members of the England coaching team
as they walked towards their dressing room".
