Overview
- This week World Rugby rolled out new communication rules that let a referee meet coaches only if both head coaches accept the invitation and attend together.
- Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the change has already meant no pre‑match meeting in the Nations Championship because an opposing coach declined to agree.
- The post‑match process now caps queries at six video clips and makes those clips visible to every international coach and match official, which Erasmus says discourages detailed or private critique.
- South African coverage reports teams are changing internal roles in response, for example appointing former referee Jaco Peyper as a national laws advisor to manage technical communications.
- Critics warn the rules could force officials' feedback into public view or joint meetings, which may limit technical discussion and shift how coaches raise concerns with referees.