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3w ago

Van Graan Calls for Consistent TMO Access After Bath’s Champions Cup Exit

Officials said the video referee already sees every camera angle.

BORDEAUX, FRANCE - MAY 03: Alfie Barbeary of Bath is tackled by Adam Coleman during the Investec Champions Cup semi final match between Union Bordeaux Begles and Bath Rugby at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole on May 03, 2026 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Bath No.8 Alfie Barbeary (L) is tackled by Bordeaux-Begles scrum-half Maxime Lucu
Johann van Graan puts TMO process under spotlight after Champions Cup exit

Overview

  • Bath lost 38-26 to Bordeaux-Bègles on Sunday, sending the French club to a Champions Cup final against Leinster in Bilbao.
  • After the match, director of rugby Johann van Graan said three carries on No. 8 Alfie Barbeary made contact with the head and went unpunished.
  • Van Graan praised referee Nika Amashukeli and TMO Ben Whitehouse but urged uniform access to all replay angles across venues.
  • The television match official, or TMO, uses host-broadcast camera feeds to review possible foul play, and van Graan questioned whether away games in France offer the same views.
  • On Monday, France Télévisions and tournament organizer EPCR said the TMO controls the replays and can view every camera angle, calling it impossible to hide footage.