WATCH: Fans call out ref abuse caught on mic

The World Schools Festival Rugby Cup is an annual competition that brings together some of the very best schoolboy rugby talent.

Staged at various different venues around the world, this year’s competition is taking place in Abu Dhabi.

As ever with youth sport, the competition would be nothing without the player’s families, coaches and support network. In the same vein, the competition needs its administrators, match officials and volunteers to truly work.

Thus, it was particularly disappointing to hear the vitriol being brandished towards the match officials in the match between South African school Paul Roos Gimnasium and Welsh school Llandovery College.

Throughout the fixture, voices could be clearly heard accusing the match officials of various different perceived offences. The following is a snapshot of what happened with the rest of the fixture, which had similar statements being made.

These reactions, which, based on the accents, appeared to be coming from the Welsh side, immediately drew the ire of those watching.

Paul Roos vs Llandovery at the WSF. No commentary so you can hear the coaches etc on the side

Llandovery coaches are a disgrace. Calling the ref bent etc. I’d be embarrassed as a school to be associated with that type of behaviour.https://t.co/JF6MaBSShi

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— Adrian Slabbert (@adrian_slabbert) December 15, 2024

you could see the ref was visibly affected by the abuse as well he kept looking over to them . crazy how they’re blaming him when they shipped 36 points

— jarrod (@rugahl) December 15, 2024

At one point I heard one of the South African guys say “if you have nothing good to say then don’t say it” 🤣 glad I know what he was referring to now

— Seth (@mandasethian) December 15, 2024

Away from the negativity, the competition itself is a fantastic advert for the next generation of rugby talent and is certainly worth tuning for.

The rugby competition at the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival kicks off today! 🔥

Which school will be crowned champion? 🏆🙌#AbuDhabiSportsHub #EveryDayIsGameDay #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/2gD1fj9Tkm

— Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (@adsportshub) December 15, 2024