Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Fan concern over TMO audio legitimate – Andy Goode

The moment Stephan Lewies collided with Owen Farrell last Saturday (Screenshot via TNT Sports)

The statement from the professional game match officials team (PGMOT) and the RFU on last Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership TMO incident at Tottenham raises more questions than answers, but there is only one person who comes out of all this badly.

ADVERTISEMENT

We know it was “regrettable” and it shouldn’t have happened but the statement didn’t address the fact that TMO Stuart Terheege was heard saying, “The problem I have got now is it looks like Austin (Healey) has instigated it, so I don’t want to talk about it.”

I understand the authorities want to back their man but that is the crux of the issue: Terheege wouldn’t have needed to say that if he’d already made his decision, as the statement seems to suggest, so I don’t think anyone is buying that.

Video Spacer

Are Ireland really the best team in the world? | RPTV

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 1:04
Loaded: 0.00%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 1:04
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Video Spacer

    Are Ireland really the best team in the world? | RPTV

    The Boks Office boys discuss Andy Farrell and Finn Russell’s contrasting statements. Watch the full Six Nations breakdown on RugbyPass TV

    Watch now

    Perhaps an even bigger issue that people aren’t making as much of is the fact that Terheege was heard saying “don’t show it” to the match director.

    I appreciate fans are concerned that TMOs are being influenced by commentators and co-commentators, but there is no way that TMOs should be trying to prevent things from being shown.

    Related

    As a viewer, or someone involved in the business of rugby who might be seriously affected by these decisions, you want to see all the best angles and replays you can of every incident within the obvious time constraints there are.

    We bemoan TV directors, those in France in particular, at times when they want to show arty shots or focus on the crowd and there is action that we feel we should be seeing or replays that aren’t being aired.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Clearly, it is also plain for everyone to see that you can’t opt not to make a decision as a TMO because Healey or any other former player has spotted it first and drawn attention to it.

    I can’t help but think this incident has triggered people more than it would have done if Sam Warburton or Brian O’Driscoll were at the heart of it. It has made more waves just because Healey has plenty of detractors on social media and seems to polarise opinion.

    If people were able to put their personal opinion of him to one side, or if you speak to anyone in the industry, he is without doubt one of the sharpest minds around, is rapid with his analysis, and spots things that others simply don’t.

    Maybe we do need to tighten up the process so that TMOs never hear any commentary as opposed to the explanation that they “do not actively listen or react to the broadcast commentary team”, but I guarantee more incidents will be missed.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Healey and others have played the game at the highest level and are used to analysing it in great detail. It is only natural that they will spot things that TMOs will miss at times, so sometimes it can be helpful that they are being heard initially as long as they aren’t influenced.

    That is obviously the key and the process is supposed to allow for commentary to be heard to a certain extent, up to the point that something looks like it is about to be referred to the TMO and then it is cut.

    The “location at matches” concerning the TMO referred to in the statement is neither here nor there because they are obviously nowhere near the commentators and most of the television production is done off-site nowadays.

    They could be in a remote location, as happens with VAR in football at Stockley Park, rather than in a truck in the car park. They could also have their own VT operator acting as their director and showing them different angles, but that all costs money and they would still obviously have to liaise with the match director.

    I do understand fans’ concerns that TMOs hear commentary and I would be on board with them being in an even more independent setting with their own operator if the budget is there for it. Maybe that will happen with this having prompted a conversation.

    It should be said that a TMO’s job is really tough because you are looking out for absolutely everything and rugby is a fast-paced sport where things are happening in different places at the same time and you have to make quick decisions.

    Two sets of eyes are better than one and it will make the job harder without hearing anything other than the referee and with more minimal contact with the match director. But if a TMO is, for some bizarre reason, feeling he can’t make a decision because it has been brought to light by a co-commentator, then more clearly defined lines are obviously needed.

    The statement concluded by saying, “All parties will continue to work hard to further refine and perfect systems to ensure player safety and high-quality rugby.” So maybe that will change in the near future.

    Lifting the curtain is always interesting and it added a bit of extra drama and intrigue to a great weekend of Premiership rugby.

    It wasn’t ideal but there is only one person who comes out of it all badly and that, unfortunately for him, is the TMO Terheege.

    Related

    ADVERTISEMENT

    HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Men's Highlights

    HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Women's Highlights

    Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

    Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

    Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? | New Zealand & Australia | Sevens Wonders | Episode 5

    Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

    The Rise of Kenya | The Report

    The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

    Trending on RugbyPass

    Comments

    1 Comment
    B
    BigMaul 382 days ago

    storm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored.

    Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.

    Join free and tell us what you really think!

    Sign up for free
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Latest Features

    Comments on RugbyPass

    N
    Natashajason 5 hours ago
    Vern Cotter reflects on his side's recent turnaround in form

    TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY IS A GENUINE CRYPTO RECOVERY COMPANY


    It was a cold morning when I first realized the full extent of my loss. I had invested 150,000 euros into an online crypto platform, believing in their promises and the allure of quick financial success. But as the days passed, I discovered it was all a scam. My money was gone, and with it, my dreams of financial security.

    The feeling of helplessness and devastation was overwhelming. I tried everything to recover my funds contacting authorities, searching for solutions online, and connecting with others who had been through similar scams—but nothing seemed to work. I felt completely lost, as though there was no way back.One Sunday, feeling utterly defeated, I decided to visit Grace Church in Dublin, Ireland. I was searching for some peace and comfort. During the service, I shared my story with the congregation, explaining how I had been scammed and lost everything. I didn’t expect much—just a chance to speak to someone.

    Afterward, a fellow parishioner came up to me. He had been listening closely, and after hearing my situation, he shared that he had once been in a similar place.

    He had fallen victim to a scam too, and like me, thought his money was gone for good. But someone had recommended a service called TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY to him. He decided to reach out to them, and with their help, he had managed to recover his lost funds.

    He suggested I contact them, believing they could help me too.

    Though I was skeptical, I was also desperate, so I wrote down their contact information. That evening, I called TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY. From the moment we spoke, I felt a sense of professionalism and empathy that I hadn’t encountered before. They didn’t treat me like just another case. They listened to my story, took my concerns seriously, and reassured me that they would do everything they could to help.The recovery process was detailed and transparent. They kept me updated regularly, explaining each step they were taking. Weeks passed, and though I was anxious, I held onto hope. Then, out of nowhere, I received the incredible news: TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY had successfully recovered 95% of my 150,000 euros. It felt like a miracle. I couldn’t believe it. Thanks to the team at TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY, I was able to regain my financial footing and rebuild emotionally. I’m now more cautious than ever, but I’m also deeply grateful.

    Without the kind recommendation from that parishioner at Grace Church, I would never have found the help I so desperately needed.

    Today, I’m on the path to full recovery, and I can confidently say that TRACE HACKER'S CRYPTO RECOVERY gave me a second chance.

    Their dedication and expertise truly made all the difference in my life.

    Email:support @ tracehackerscryptorecovery. com

    Email: info @ tracehackerscryptorecovery. com

    Whatsapp: +447 35570 2876

    Website:https:// tracehackers cryptorecovery. com/

    2 Go to comments
    TRENDING
    TRENDING Glasgow's honest take on Sam Prendergast: 'I think they make it easy for him' Franco Smith's honest take on Sam Prendergast
    Search