Referee Angus Gardner has withdrawn from the South Africa vs Ireland series

Do we know what his “personal reasons” are or are we going to leave it to the tinfoil hat, conspiracy theorists, in the peanut gallery to have a field day with this?

Another victim of Erasmus and stupid sa fans. Shame on World Rugby to not protect the refs.

Gardner is a terrible ref - as most or the SH ones clearly have no clue about the sport. Much like the SH players

Rassie has to hope Barnes comes back though. Let his iferrior team triumph again with Wayne’s incompetence at the forefront.

Nick Berry would have been a perfect replacement 👌

Angus Gardener is , in my opinion, easily the best of R.U refs currently officiating. He is positive, explains his decisions ,& rarely exercises the use of cards , however uses the 3rd umpire judiciously, to ensure fairness on the field of play . He is not overbearing , or as some comment herein , displaying himself as some Greek God , like some esteemed whistle blowers do ..

It is utterly amazing that WR would have proposed Gardner as a ref and AR for these games. And it is very wise for Gardner to decline. He would want to avoid the re-litigation of the allegations in the Rassie tape.

Luke Pearce is the guy with the decisive “I am in charge” brand. My sense is that he struggles to avoid his preconceptions of the teams.

Rassie dassie has a video up on YouTube!?

Based on his last performance in super rugby, Angus seems to think the crowd turns up to watch him. He should take the opportunity to re-evaluate the role of a referee.

Luke Pearce is a good replacement, especially in SA.

I wouldn't want to referee a South Africa game that they have a chance of losing, either.

Doesn't want a PK from supporters if pulls a Nic Berry, lol.