Bath Van Graan Calls on Authorities to Simplify Rugby After Sin-Bin

Director of rugby Johann van Graan has called on the game’s authorities to simplify and protect the sport after a debatable refereeing error that saw Harlequin’s key Irn return from the sin-bin three minutes early at the crucial stage of last weekend’s Premier League game.

Despite clear indications that significant mistakes were made at key moments in his side’s 40-36 defeat, Van Graan said Bath now wanted to draw a line under the” singular” factor, following an apology from the Rfu’s professional team and official confirmation. the result will last.

“I have been involved in professional rugby for 23 years and this is the first time I have discovered it,” he said. “There is human error to be discussed and the RFU gave a statement. There is a conclusion in this and we must move on.”

The former Springbok forwards coach, however, wants rugby to stop complicating and undermining its core product and refocus its power to the benefit of players, coaches and supporters.

“I think we have to simplify the game,” Van Graan said. “I don’t think we have to keep hitting and changing that, we have to keep our game going. This Game is very unique. It is one of the last remaining gladiatorial sports. That’s why people love it and why there are so many emotions to discuss.”

Van Graan did not refer specifically to the Herbst episode, but as a result of Exeter Rob Baxter’s recent comments about the constant changing of the law, the leading coach clearly wanted more thorough clarity while the game was made by a very small margin. “I didn’t see Rob’s article so I can’t comment on it,” Van Graan said as his side visited the Chiefs in the Champions League last 16 on Saturday.

“What I would say is that we have to keep talking. Scrum, maul, line, run, kick … there is beauty in all this. We are led by World Rugby who are the main decision makers. [But] respect what’s in the law books. Let me give you a simple example. If the offside line is behind the back foot, let’s just stick to it.

“If there is a definition of maul, Fox or scrum, then let’s stick to the law. Sometimes that’s what we miss ,the [current] law. Yes, we must be able to adapt. That’s why I respect match officials because it’s a very difficult sport to judge. I don’t doubt anyone’s intentions at this stage because we all want to keep the game going.”

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea believes that New Zealand may need to urgently reconsider their policy of not selecting overseas-based players. Savea, Rugby Player of the year, played in Japan for the Kobe Steelers and will return home to England in the summer but believes more flexibility is needed.