The shocking level of abuse aimed at Welsh rugby referees and match officials by players, spectators, coaches and club officials has been laid bare.
As of January 25, 2023, a total of 46 incidents from this season involving poor behaviour towards match officials had gone through the Welsh Rugby Union's disciplinary system. This includes 14 incidents at children's or youth fixtures. The combined bans for all 46 incidents totals 17 years, one month and three weeks.
It's understood the matter of conduct from both players and off-field personnel towards match officials was raised at a recent mid-district rugby meeting, where it was claimed that three incidents are going through the courts system. There is understood to have been more than double the incidents this season, compared to last.
