EXCLUSIVE: Rugby World Cup players warned they will face disciplinary action for criticising referees on social media
EXCLUSIVE: Rugby stars warned they will face disciplinary action for criticizing referees on social media during the World Cup – and they could also be fined up to £10,000 for wearing unapproved items
England and their Rugby World Cup rivals have been warned they could face disciplinary action if they criticize referees on social media.
Players have received extensive briefings this week on the strict do’s and don’ts expected at the tournament in France. World Rugby has doubled its online posting in light of high-profile incidents involving the likes of Rassie Erasmus and Jack Nowell.
Players are also prohibited from sharing messages from their individual sponsors as part of the contractual terms of participation. On match day, players may only wear approved items or face fines of between £1,000 and £10,000.
England was fined £5,000 at the 2011 World Cup when Manu Tuilagi wore an OPRO mouthguard. At the 2019 World Cup, Wales got into hot water when Tomos Williams wore the wrong sponsored shorts.
And England skipper Owen Farrell has been warned against wearing branded Trusox grips and has since switched to Umbro. England are confident they can properly prepare for the World Cup opener against Argentina, despite Courtney Lawes missing Saturday’s opening ceremony.
Upcoming Rugby World Cup players warned they face disciplinary action for criticizing referees on social media
Rassie Erasmus was suspended for two months in 2021 after criticizing referees in an angry video
Elliot Daly, George Martin, Kyle Sinckler and Tom Curry all practiced on Friday afternoon, while Manu Tuilagi spent part of the session training alone. The team will fly to Marseille on Thursday for the exciting Pool D match, but assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth expects all 33 players to be available for selection.
“Courtney is a little sore from Friday’s practice so we decided it was best for him not to sit in a chair for an hour and then get up,” Wigglesworth said when asked about the absence from Lawes.
“He is resting in the hotel, he has some pain from training, the field was heavy from the rain. It’s nothing serious, we’re just taking care of him.
Tom Curry should be ready to go, we are hopeful that everyone will be ready. We’re not sure yet, but we think we should go in properly.
“There are a few little bumps and bruises, like everyone else, but I think we’re going into this weekend with a pretty full bill of health.”
English skipper Owen Farrell has been warned against wearing branded Trusox grips and has since switched to Umbro. Players can be fined up to £10,000 for wearing unapproved items during the World Cup