STATEMENT: Premiership and Test match referee retires from rugby
Rugby NewsWednesday, 02 April 2025 at 13:48
After more than a decade as a key figure in professional rugby officiating, Tom Foley has announced his departure from the RFU’s Professional Game Match Officials Team. His decision comes following his retirement from international officiating in 2023, marking the end of a distinguished career that saw him play a crucial role in some of the sport’s biggest moments.
A statement, issued by the RFU, read: "Following 11 years as one of the Professional Game Match Officials Team, Tom Foley, has decided to leave his role at the RFU to pursue new opportunities. This follows his 2023 retirement from officiating at international level.
"Tom began refereeing in 2010 in the National Leagues and has been involved in over 250 games in the Premiership, 135 as referee and 75 as Television Match Official (TMO); four of these were Premiership Finals. He also officiated at four Heineken Champions Cup Finals in 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
"His first experience at international level came in November 2011 in a match involving Romania and Tonga and he officiated in 48 Tests in total, 16 in the Six Nations and 20 in the Rugby World Cup.
"His first experience at international level came in November 2011 in a match involving Romania and Tonga and he officiated in 48 Tests in total, 16 in the Six Nations and 20 in the Rugby World Cup.
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"We would like to thank Tom for everything he's done for England Rugby and wish him every success in the future."
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Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions
The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player's career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.
While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.
From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.
2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker
Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.
Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.
However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
2017 tour: Stuart Hogg – A case of bad luck
Stuart Hogg was primed to be the Lions' Test full-back in 2017, but fate had other plans. The Scottish star suffered a freak injury in the third game of the tour against the Crusaders, colliding with Conor Murray’s elbow and fracturing his eye socket.
While injuries are unfortunate, Hogg’s Lions career as a whole was disappointing. He failed to make a significant impact on the 2013 or 2021 tours either, making him one of the most underwhelming repeat selections in Lions history.
2013 tour: Tom Court – The holiday call-up
If there was ever a Lions selection that left fans scratching their heads, it was Tom Court in 2013. The Ireland prop wasn’t even in the original squad – he was on holiday with his family when he got the call-up.
Thrown into the squad late, Court was never going to be a game-changer. He did manage to hold his own in the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels, but his inclusion remains one of the strangest in Lions history.
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2009 tour: Alun Wyn Jones – A rare disaster for the legend
Alun Wyn Jones is a Lions legend – but his 2009 tour was anything but legendary. A young second-row at the time, he struggled against the formidable Springbok pack, leading Bleacher Report to rate his performances a dismal 4/10.
Jones was criticised for losing the ball in contact, looking out of his depth, and failing to impose himself physically. At times, he even looked "terrified" according to some reports. It was a rocky start to a Lions career that would later see him become one of the most respected captains in history.
2005 tour: Andy Titterrell – The most questionable selection?
The 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand was an unmitigated disaster, and some of the squad selections did little to help. Among the most baffling was Sale Sharks hooker Andy Titterrell, who had just two England caps to his name.
Sir Clive Woodward’s decision to take a bloated 44-man squad led to several left-field inclusions, but Titterrell stood out as particularly bizarre. Lacking the physicality and technical ability required at this level, he made little impact and was quickly forgotten.
Can You Name These 10 Legendary British & Irish Lions?
Test your rugby knowledge and see how many of these iconic Lions players you can name! You’ve got 4 minutes on the clock—think fast!
Let’s see if you can nail this quiz and prove you’re a true rugby expert. Ready? Let’s go!
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