Referees far too sensitive to criticism, according to Andre Watson

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André Watson. (Photo by Nick Laham / Getty Images)

As Rassie Erasmus’s World Rugby hearing comes to a close on Sunday, former international referee Andre Watson believes officials should be able to accept criticism if their performance warrants it.

Erasmus will have to respond to rugby’s governing body regarding his hour-long video in which he highlighted the mistakes made by referee Nic Berry in the Springboks’ first 22-17 loss to the British & Irish Lions in July.

According to Rapport, Watson believes international referees should take responsibility for their actions when overseeing international matches.

“My feeling has always been, and still is, that if referees want to blow at this level, they have to take responsibility for their actions,” Watson said.

“With recognition, money and benefits also come from reviews and it doesn’t make sense to me that the recognition and praise is accepted by the referees and their bosses, but not the critics.

“Or at least not in public. It comes with the territory. I think the referees are too sensitive about this,” he added.

Watson believes that accepting criticism, where it is due, will help rugby as a whole.

“My opinion is that rugby can only get better and supporters, coaches, players and officials will better understand the performance of the referees and accept the referees more if there is more transparency.

“Open and honest communication between the referee and the coach is very important,” he said.

Watson was responsible for two World Cup finals during his career – Australia against France in 1999 and England against Australia in 2003.

He has also been in charge of seven Currie Cup finals as well as five Super Rugby finals.

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