RFU made ‘right decision’ -bin controversy

Published 31/03/2024 at 19:08 GMT

TNT Sports rugby pundits Lawrence Dallaglio and Ugo Monye credited the Rugby Football Union for making “the right decision” on the Irne Herbst sin-bin controversy, after it appeared that the Harlequins lock returned to the field early during Bath’s comeback at The Stoop on Saturday, March 30, making at least one important tackle to help quell the visitor’s late surge.Irne Herbst of Harlequins during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Harlequins and Bath Rugby at The Stoop on March 30, 2024.

Image credit: Getty Images

TNT Sports rugby pundits Lawrence Dallaglio and Ugo Monye called the Rugby Football Union’s decision on the Irne Herbst sin-bin controversy “the right decision,” after they decided that the result of the game will be upheld.

The RFU upheld Harlequins’ narrow win over Bath despite apologising for an officiating error that saw lock Herbst return to the field early after a yellow card.

A statement released by the RFU said: “The RFU Professional Game Match Officials Team (PGMOT) acknowledge and apologise for an error during the Gallagher Premiership match between Harlequins v Bath where a yellow card sanction resulted in Irne Herbst returning to the pitch approximately three minutes too soon.

“We would like to apologise to both teams for this mistake. As is the usual process, the PGMOT will review all games to ensure continued improvement and learnings. The result of the match remains final.”

Having left for the sin-bin in the 63rd minute, he returned just seven minutes later instead of 10. Bath were in the midst of an inspired comeback at the time, and footage shows the South African making at least one important tackle while he should have been out of action.

Speaking about the error on the Rugby Review, Monye said: “Massive, massive tip of the hat to [Johann] Van Graan after the game who spoke about it so measured, so calm.”

The Bath head coach said his side flagged it to the referee afterwards, and will “trust the process”.

Speaking about the error on the Rugby Review after Sale Sharks’ 41-5 win over Exeter Chiefs, Dallaglio said “it was the right decision”.

Monye added: “I totally get why people are focusing on it. It is a mistake isn’t it from the match officials, but nothing more than that.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download