IRB may 'own' refs

Who will guard the guards - and who will pay them? The International Rugby Board is to consider taking over the employment of referees.

It is a situation similar to that with contracted players. Referees belong to societies but then they are selected to national panels and the country then becomes the employer - and pays the referees.

Now the IRB is to consider taking over the employment of referees on its panels. It will discuss this at a meeting later this month.

The idea is to increase the referee's independence and perceived independence. It will give the IRB greater freedom in appointing referees around the world, not only to international matches.

Paddy O'Brien, the IRB's referee manager, said to Dominion Post: "It's a strategic meeting that will look at where refereeing is heading for the next four years.

"We'll discuss things like whether we need specialised touch judges and TMOs.

"And we'll discuss whether the IRB should take over the full-time employment of the referees, and that they then control games in the northern and southern hemisphere competitions."

The meeting will include the referee bosses from SANZAR and the Six Nations, as well as Japan, Canada, United States and Argentina. South Africa's World Cup winning coach Jake White, and Wales's Warren Gatland are also invited.