Ireland vs France referee was removed from match after French 'got screwed'

Friday, 07 March 2025 at 11:03

byRugby Rucker

Australian official Angus Gardner is the man in the middle for the Six Nations decider between Ireland and France in Dublin – and he’s no stranger to high-pressure games or controversy.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Who is Angus Gardner?

Born in Sydney in 1984, Angus Gardner grew up dreaming of playing rugby, but a hereditary disc condition called Scheuermann’s Disease cut his playing days short. Doctors told him to take up fishing instead, but a teacher suggested refereeing – and the rest is history.

Gardner picked up the whistle at just 15 and worked his way through the ranks, making his Test debut in 2011 when he officiated Papua New Guinea vs. Vanuatu in the Oceania Cup. His Super Rugby debut followed a year later, taking charge of Queensland Reds vs. Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium.

His breakthrough moment came in 2018 when he refereed the Super Rugby final and was crowned World Rugby Referee of the Year. Since then, he’s officiated at two Rugby World Cups, including last year’s Argentina vs. New Zealand semi-final at the Stade de France.

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France ‘screwed’

Gardner is no stranger to controversy, especially in France’s eyes. During the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Les Bleus edged Argentina 23-21 in their Pool C opener, but French players were furious with his officiating.

Skipper Guilhem Guirado accused the Aussie of letting the Pumas bend the scrum laws, claiming: “We worked for weeks not to engage early… and the referee didn’t say much.”

Prop Jefferson Poirot was even more blunt: “We got screwed.”

The fallout saw Gardner quietly removed from his assistant referee duties for Argentina vs. England later in the tournament, with Ben O’Keeffe stepping in.

Rassie’s early-hours phone call

It’s not just France who’ve taken issue with Gardner. In 2018, South Africa’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, went rogue after two Rugby Championship defeats with Gardner in charge.

Ignoring World Rugby protocols, Erasmus fired off emails demanding explanations – and even reportedly phoned Gardner in the early hours, according to The Times

World Rugby weren’t impressed, and Erasmus was reprimanded – three years before his infamous Lions tour rant against Nic Berry earned him a ban.

Now, Gardner finds himself in the spotlight again as the man in the middle for the Six Nations decider. Let’s hope for his sake that the post-match headlines aren’t about him this time…

Round 4: 8-9 March

Ireland v France
Referee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
ARs: Matthew Carley (Eng) & Christophe Ridley (Eng)
TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)
FPRO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)

Scotland v Wales
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
ARs: Nic Berry (Aus) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Tual Trainini (Fra)

England v Italy
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire)
ARs: Craig Evans (Wal) & Luc Ramos (Fra)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
FPRO: Mike Adamson (Sco)

Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start

Bookmakers have released their predictions for the British & Irish Lions' starting XV to face Australia in the 2025 tour, highlighting a squad dominated by Irish talent and featuring only one English starter.

The anticipated lineup, along with the latest odds for each position, is as follows:

Forwards

1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2

A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland’s pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10

One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland’s recent successes.

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13

Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.

4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5

The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he’ll be vital for the tour.

5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2

A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster’s second row. He’s quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.

6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3

The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.

7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9

England’s standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl’s dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions’ back row.

8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4

One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.

Backs

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 1/3

Originally from New Zealand, Gibson-Park has revolutionized Ireland’s attack with his fast tempo and crisp distribution. His quick decision-making will be key in Australia.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/4

A mercurial fly-half known for his creativity, pinpoint kicking, and unpredictable attacking play, Russell is the X-factor the Lions will need to unlock Australia’s defence.

11. James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8

A powerful winger with a cannon of a left boot, Lowe has been a game-changer for Ireland, providing pace, physicality, and superb finishing ability.

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5

One of the most destructive centres in world rugby, Aki blends power with slick handling and defensive solidity. His recent form makes him a nailed-on Lions starter.

13. Huw Jones (Scotland) – 1/2

A classy centre with a sharp rugby brain, Jones is known for his attacking lines, pace, and ability to break defences. He has returned to top form for Scotland.

14. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16

A giant winger with terrifying pace and strength, Van der Merwe has been a try-scoring machine for Scotland and was one of the stars of the 2021 Lions tour.

15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5

One of the most consistent full-backs in world rugby, Keenan is rock solid under the high ball, defensively sound, and a dangerous attacking threat.

This projection underscores Ireland's strong presence, with ten players expected to start, reflecting their recent dominance in international rugby. Scotland contributes three players, notably in key backline positions, while England's representation is limited to Maro Itoje in the forwards.

The selection process for the Lions is always a topic of intense debate, influenced by players' form, fitness, and performances in the lead-up to the tour. As the 2025 tour approaches, these odds may shift, especially with upcoming international fixtures and domestic competitions providing players with opportunities to stake their claims.

Note: The odds presented are based on current bookmaker predictions and are subject to change as the tour date nears.