ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

These could be the 5 most controversial moments in rugby history

BY Stephen Brunsdon  ·  Friday Dec 17, 2021

A rugby match can go one way or another in the blink of an eye. Whether this is through a piece of genius from a player or a mistake from the referee, small moments in a game can prove crucial in the end result.

ADVERTISEMENT

These moments, more often than not, cause a fair deal of controversy and leaves the losing side feeling more than hard done by. So here are some of the most controversial incidents in recent years which have had the biggest impacts.

Perhaps the biggest scandal to happen on the field – and subsequently off it – was the infamous 2009 ‘bloodgate’ affair featuring Harlequins’ coach Dean Richards, winger Tom Williams and, to a lesser extent, talisman Nick Evans.

The story is well known but the aftershock of this manipulation of the rules still rocks the game. If nothing else, it has placed greater scrutiny on the use of tactical substitutions in the game, although this is still an area which is exploited today.

For Irish fans, the Mike Phillips try in the 2011 Six Nations is still a bitter pill to swallow, particularly in posterity given that every try seems to be checked and double check by the TMO these days.

How the try was allowed to stand is still beyond most people, as hooker Matthew Rees took a quick throw-in from a Jonny Sexton kick out on the full to feed scrum-half Phillips.

Rees used a different ball to that which was kicked out, meaning a quick throw was not permitted in the laws. But Phillips’ breakaway try stood and Wales went on to win the game 19-13; a result which cost Ireland a clear second-place finish in the standings behind England.

ADVERTISEMENT

Then there’s possibly one of the biggest injustices in Rugby World Cup history, as Yannick Jauzion scored against New Zealand in the 2007 quarter finals, dumping the All Blacks out at the earliest knock-out stage for the first time ever.

Jauzion finished off the move but it was replacement Frédéric Michalak who delivered the now infamous forward pass, which was missed by referee Wayne Barnes, that started everything off.

There are other controversial moments not featured in the video, including the “Hand of (Neil) Back” which denied Munster a chance of winning the Heineken Cup in 2002, while Scotland also missed out on a place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals in 2015 after a penalty given by referee Craig Joubert in the final minute of the game.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face...

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal...

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All