This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
On September 24, 2019, World Rugby issued a statement criticizing the refereeing standards at the World Cup, which had just kicked off in Japan.
The governing body acknowledged that there had been 'initial challenges' with technology and communications between match officials, leading to several incidents being missed.
Reece Hodge's high shot on Fiji's Peceli Yato went unpunished at the time, but the Australia wing was later cited and will face a disciplinary hearing.
Footage of All Blacks captain Kieran Read's head-high, off-the-ball tackle on South Africa's Pieter-Steph du Toit, unnoticed by officials, has also drawn much comment online.
World Rugby expressed confidence in the highest standards of officiating moving forward, citing a proactive approach and a strong team ethic.
