'Betting scandal' claims 'must be a hoax'

Andre Watson, who refereed a record second Rugby World Cup Final last year, was astonished at claims made by highly-regarded rugby writer Greg Growden, of the Herald newspaper in Australia, that a gambling syndicate tried to influence a referee's decision at RWC 2003.

According to the article in the Herald, entitled 'Referee in betting scandal', "A World Cup referee is under threat of being overlooked for future international fixtures because of concerns over several of his decisions during the 2003 tournament."

Asked about it by Planet Rugby, Watson said: "We were a close group of referees and I heard nothing of any approaches to any referee during the World Cup - or at any other time for that matter.

"This must be a hoax.

"For one thing no referee can sway a game. You can't ensure that a tackle will be made or a kick will go over or that an advantage will lead to a score."

Growden continued: "The Herald was told last night that senior rugby officials have in recent weeks closely analysed numerous World Cup matches and had noted that in at least one match there were a number of debatable decisions. In one match, it is believed officials found fault with at least 10 of the refereeing decisions.

"The issue is expected to be discussed at this week's International Rugby Board conference, being held in Auckland. IRB officials are also expected to interview the referee over the match. If they are unhappy with his explanation, he may be cut from Test rugby.

"The role of touch judges in several World Cup matches has also been placed under scrutiny to ensure their involvement led to the right decisions being made at important moments in games.

"While the bulk of World Cup coaches and players were generally happy with the standard of refereeing during the 2003 tournament, several were privately concerned about inconsistencies, especially in the area of the tackle and at the set pieces.

"Confusion over decisions prompted officials from one team to approach a referee during the break in one match and query his interpretations."

On the match where officials found fault with 10 decisions made by the referee, Watson said: "Those faults - if they indeed were faults and not just what some people thought were faults - are no proof of dishonesty. They may just be mistakes."

Watson also knew of no referee who was approached by 'officials' during a match - "certainly not in one I refereed or touch judged or was the fourth official".

"I just hope that if the matter is being investigated that it is investigated properly and that if anybody is found guilty he is hung from the goal-posts," Watson added.

Planet Rugby asked Strath Gordon, the Australian Rugby Union's Head of Communications, about the matter. He said: "The origins of the article and its allegations are a complete mystery to us. We are shocked and surprised. We have absolutely no knowledge of any such allegations.

"We find it an extraordinary piece of journalism. Nothing in the story has any substance. We should prefer to see some facts to back up the allegations."