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Referee Angus Gardner has withdrawn from the South Africa vs Ireland series
Australian official Angus Gardner has withdrawn from refereeing duties during the South Africa versus Ireland series for ‘personal reasons’.
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He will be replaced by England’s Luke Pearce as match day referee for the first Test at Loftus Versfeld on July 6th and as AR for the second Test at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban the following weekend.
A World Rugby statement on the matter reads: “World Rugby has confirmed that Angus Gardner (Australia) has withdrawn from officiating duties for the two-test series between South Africa and Ireland for personal reasons. The Australian will be replaced by Luke Pearce (England) as referee for the first test and also as assistant referee for the second test.
“As a consequence of the change, there are also further amendments to the appointments, including Christophe Ridley (England), replacing Pearce as assistant referee for Japan v Georgia on 13 July.”
Gardner began officiating in Super Rugby in 2012. Gardner made his Test debut in 2011, officiating a match between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. He has since refereed numerous international matches, including fixtures in the Rugby Championship and Six Nations. Gardner was named World Rugby Referee of the Year in 2018. He has officiated at three Rugby World Cups, in 2015, 2019 and 2023.
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.