This archive report was first published on 30 October 2019.
On October 26, 2019, England secured a World Cup semi-final victory over New Zealand, but their celebration was marred by a fine from World Rugby.
According to World Rugby, England's response to the haka, a traditional Maori challenge, was in breach of World Cup tournament rules. The rules stipulate that opponents must not cross the halfway line while the haka is being performed.
England fanned out across the pitch in a V-formation as the All Blacks delivered the challenge, with several players standing their ground when officials tried to usher them back.
World Rugby regulations were clear: no players from the team receiving the challenge may advance beyond the halfway line. The governing body stated, "England have been fined for a breach of World Cup tournament rules relating to cultural challenges, which states that no players from the team receiving the challenge may advance beyond the halfway line."
This is not the first time a team has been fined for crossing the halfway line during the haka. In the 2011 tournament, France were fined £2,500 when they also advanced on the haka before the final.
England captain Owen Farrell defended their actions, saying, "We didn't just want to stand in a flat line and let them come at us."
World Rugby's Youtube video of the incident has been viewed more than four million times, with a commentator saying, "you want box office? You've got it".
