Dan Sheehan\u2019s try in the second Test match between the British and Irish Lions and Australia has already caused a stir online over the legality of his actions.<\/p>\n
The Lions<\/a> had a penalty five metres from the Wallabies\u2019 try-line and despite being 6-0 down after two Tom Lynagh penalties, Andy Farrell\u2019s charges opted for a tap and go rather than a shot at goal.<\/p>\n From the penalty, Sheehan<\/a> takes the tap and dives over the tackle of his opposite number, Dave Porecki, with Wallabies<\/a> captain Harry Wilson immediately pleading his case with referee Andrea Piardi.<\/p>\n World Rugby clarification<\/p>\n The Italian referee stuck by his decision that a try had been scored, but was that the right call?<\/p>\n In 2022, World Rugby<\/a> issued a law clarification on a similar incident when New Zealand Rugby sought clarity\u00a0after Chiefs number eight Pita Gus Sowakula hurdled over Aaron Smith, avoiding a tackle before scoring.<\/p>\n This was after England winger Jonny May scored a try during the 2021 Six Nations by leaping over an attempted tackle in the act of scoring.<\/p>\n In the clarification provided, the following laws were raised:<\/p>\n \u2013 Law 9.17: \u201cA player must not tackle, charge, pull, push or grasp an opponent whose feet are off the ground\u201d.<\/p>\n \u2013 Law 9.11: \u201cPlayers must not do anything that is dangerous to others including leading with elbow or forearm\u201d.<\/p>\n \u2013 Law 9.7: \u201cA player must not intentionally infringe any law of the game\u201d.<\/p>\n New Zealand Rugby raised the following questions:<\/p>\n Q.1 When a player hurdles\/jumps over a tackler who is attempting to make a low legal tackle, this stops the defender from being able to tackle the ball carrier (as the ball carrier is now in the air and not able to be tackled). This seems unfair and against law 9.7 \u201cunfair play\u201d.<\/p>\n NZ Rugby wants to know is this legal or illegal, unfair play or unfair and dangerous play?<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Q.2 In 2021, Jonny May scored by leaping\/diving over a covering tackler and scoring in the corner. His dive\/leap and twist allowed him to score directly in one movement. NZ Rugby wants to know if this is legal\/illegal, unfair play or unfair and dangerous play.<\/p>\n British and Irish Lions player ratings: \u2018Gladiatorial\u2019 Maro Itoje powers tourists to series victory despite Andy Farrell\u2019s \u2018mystifying\u2019 decision<\/a><\/p>\n In response to question one, World Rugby replied: \u201cWe agree \u2013 jumping to hurdle a potential tackler is dangerous play, as is the act of a ball carrier jumping into a tackle. Even if no contact is made, we believe this act is in clear contravention of law 9.11, and runs contrary to the game-wide focus on player welfare. In this specific case the sanction should be a PK [Penalty Kick] against the ball carrier.<\/p>\n For question two, the governing body responded: \u201cA ball carrier may dive with the ball in order to score a try, and we all agree that should be allowed. From an equity perspective, if they do so, a defender may attempt to make a safe and legal tackle on that player. As we have said above, jumping to avoid a tackle should be regarded as dangerous play and should be sanctioned accordingly, even if no contact is made.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cPlayer welfare should remain the priority deciding factor for match officials in these very rare situations. In such instances as this rare example, which involves great player skill and dexterity, match officials have to make a judgement call as to which actions have taken place. If there is any element of dangerous play, in line with the above ruling, then a try cannot be the reward.<\/p>\n \u201cIn principle, in a try scoring situation, if the action is deemed to be a dive forward for a try, then it should be permitted. If a player is deemed to have left the ground to avoid a tackle; or to jump, or hurdle a potential tackler, then this is dangerous play and should be sanctioned accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n Sheehan\u2019s try<\/p>\n So, where does Sheehan\u2019s actions fit in?<\/p>\n Our opening score tonight at the @MCG<\/a> \ud83e\udd81<\/p>\n Watch every game live on @SkySports<\/a>. #Lions2025<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/GYZQ6GRFrK<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/lKs2vE7uhw<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Well, on the surface, it fits more into the May example than the Sowakula one, as he is diving in the act of scoring rather than leaping to avoid a tackle.<\/p>\n The last paragraph of World Rugby\u2019s clarification is where the sticking point is, as it means that it comes down to the referee\u2019s interpretation.<\/p>\n The official must decide if Sheehan dives upward to avoid Porecki\u2019s tackle or dives forward to score the try. The former is a penalty against the Lions while the latter results in a try. The optics of it aren\u2019t aided by how low the Wallabies\u2019 hooker goes in his tackle either. World Rugby also state that the Wallabies could well have tackled Sheehan when he did launch himself provided they did so in a safe manner.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the law book and the clarifications provided by World Rugby with such incidents leaves a grey area for the referee on the day to make the decision, which Piardi duly did and confidently so.<\/p>\n While this was an incredibly tight call, one has to remember law 6.5a, which states: \u201cThe referee is the sole judge of fact and of law during a match. The referee must apply the laws of the game fairly in every match.\u201d<\/p>\n Still, considering the magnitude of the decision and the high-profile nature of the occasion, we\u2019d expect World Rugby to issue a clarification in the coming days and perhaps even a law tweak in the future to give the officials more authority with incidents of this nature.<\/p>\n Particularly considering the fact that Wales also had a try ruled out during the Six Nations with Blair Murray hurdling a tackler before in the build-up to the score.<\/p>\n READ MORE:\u00a0Fuming former Wallaby accuses officials of being \u2018weak\u2019 as \u2018terrible decision\u2019 costs Australia in Lions series<\/a><\/p>\n