Paddy and Peter 'bury the hatchet'

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has expressed “satisfaction” after his meeting in Dublin on Wednesday with the International Rugby Board’s Manager of Referees, Paddy O’Brien.
 
The discussions focussed or refereeing matters in general, including scrum management, the role of the Assistant Referees  as well as the process of on-going feedback and communication between the Springbok team and the IRB.

This meeting, between De Villiers and O’Brien, follows some unpleasant public exchanges in recent weeks – not only between the Bok camp and the IRB boss, but also after O’Brien’s horrendous faux pass in siding with his compatriots, New Zealand, on refereeing matters.

O’Brien’s decision to publicly criticise Aussie referee Stuart Dickinson over his handling of the All Blacks’ Test against Italy, created the impression that the IRB boss lacked impartiality.

However, any uncertainty over this and other refereeing matters appears to have been cleared up, following the round-table debate between the Bok coach and the IRB official.

“It was a very good meeting at which we agreed on a suitable way for us to work together in future,” said de Villiers said of his exchange with O’Brien.
 
“We discussed how refs have been analysed up until now and how information has been exchanged between ourselves and the IRB and have agreed that we will refine these procedures to suit both parties.
 
“In future, comprehensive feedback on matters that need clarity will be provided after each match and in advance of the next match.  Paddy has given an undertaking to facilitate this process and we have agreed the time frames that will be required for this to be effective.
 
“It was an open, transparent and honest meeting that will hopefully ensure that we leave no issues unresolved in the best interests of the game and the players.
 
“We agreed that there is an important need for clarification on refereeing matters and Paddy has confirmed that he will make himself available to discuss and clarify issues as and when required,” de Villiers said.
 
There were no discussions relating to the Springboks’ Test against Six Nations champions Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.