"I'm too old" - International referee forced to come off injured after bizarre incident
Rugby NewsSaturday, 14 January 2023 at 20:21
Bulls avenged last month's defeat at Exeter Chiefs with a bonus-point victory over the Premiership side's 14 men in the Heineken Champions Cup.
Unfortunately, referee Mathieu Raynal appeared to suffer a hamstring injury which prevented him from continuing early in the second half.
One fan commented: "I'm sure it has everything to do with 30degree heat."
A second said: "And the replacement makes a shocking mistake within 4 mins."
That 'shocking' mistake was the decision to send off Exeter star Henry Slade.
Exeter Chiefs and England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has slammed the decision to send off Henry Slade today.
He wrote: "How soft is rugby" on Twitter.
Another fan wrote: "Henry Slade and Exeter Chiefs ABSOLUTELY shafted. Disgraceful decision by another cowboy official."
A second commented: "Henry Slade has been absolutely done there... Contact made with Kurt-Lee's shoulder before sliding up. That's borderline yellow, let alone red. Horrible decision making there."
"No way is this ref debating a red card for Henry Slade!!!!! What a joke. That’s not even a yellow." a third commented.
Henry Slade red card:
Henry Slade facts:
- Slade has Type-1 diabetes and has spoken openly about having the condition. He told Health Awareness: “It’s frustrating having diabetes, but it doesn’t stop you doing anything. You can do whatever you want, it’s just about having control."
- He joined the Exeter Chiefs set-up since 2011 and has also turned out for Plymouth Albion
- Slade is the great nephew of former Portsmouth footballer Geoff Williamson
- Slade and his partner Megan have a daughter, Olive, together.
- He studied for a Sports and Exercise Science degree at the University of Exeter.
Martin Johnson Has Been Voted The Greatest Ever Rugby Captain In History
Being the captain of a team is a major honour and responsibility. Only players that have leadership qualities and those that lead by example can take the responsibility.
A great captain can be the difference between a team that underwhelms or a team that dominates.
Over the years of following the game, we’ve seen captains come and go. Some are successful, others less so, and only a few leave a lasting legacy.
In international rugby, over the past many years, there have been several iconic captains. These players created a legacy at their respective clubs and have a legendary status in them.
With that in mind, who was the greatest rugby captain of all time? 1,000 RUCK readers have been ranking our selection of captains with England legend Martin Johnson being ranked the best of all-time.
The best rugby captains should have the following qualities:
- A great player
- Inspire confidence in their team
- Takes responsibility
- Lead by example
- Great sportsmanship
- Tactical knowhow
- Excellent communicator
- Emotional discipline
Greatest Ever Rugby Captains: Top 20
20. Phillipe Saint-Andre (France)
19. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
18. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
17. John Dawes (Wales)
16. Will Carling (England)
15. Agustín Pichot (Argentina)
14. John Smit (South Africa)
13. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Paul O'Connell of Ireland seen during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy v Ireland at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 4th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby
12. Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
11. Sam Warburton (Wales)
10. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
9. Sarah Hunter (England)
8. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Alun Wyn Jones facts:
- He is the first player in the professional era to have played in nine consecutive Tests for the Lions having been involved in all three series
- Alun Wyn Jones has a law degree from Swansea University and he graduated in 2010
- nothing. Second rows wearing white rugby boots was quite unusual. That’s how he got the nickname Alun Gwyn Boots
- His father, Tim Jones, was a respected solicitor who also played rugby for Swansea, and his funeral in 2016 drew hundreds from the legal and rugby worlds. One of life’s true characters.
- Wife of the Lions captain and mum to their two daughters Mali and Efa, Anwen, who is a doctor of physiology, is a Welsh-speaking physiology lecturer at Cardiff’s Metropolitan University.
7. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
5. John Eales (Australia)
4. Willie John McBride (Ireland)
3. Francois Pienaar (South Africa)
2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
1. Martin Johnson (England)
Martin Johnson facts:
- Johnson comes from a sporting family. His great-grandfather was a wrestler. His younger brother Will is also a former back row forward for Leicester.
- He briefly played American football for the Leicester Panthers as a tight end or defensive end.
- Johnson was selected for the New Zealand under-21 side which went on a tour of Australia playing a side that included another of the all-time great lock forwards, John Eales.
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