Warren Gatland has revealed he has crossed to “the dark side” of rugby – jokingly, at least – after taking on a surprise consultancy role with World Rugby’s match officials.
The former Wales head coach says working closely with referees during the British & Irish Lions tour has given him a completely new appreciation of the pressures officials face, particularly amid intense scrutiny over red cards, high tackles and consistency.
He wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “Going across to the dark side (only joking!) has given me a whole new perspective and appreciation for the work that the referees are doing.”
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A new respect for referees
Gatland admits referees have been under fire this autumn, especially over decisions in the dangerous high-contact area, but insists they are working tirelessly to improve.
“They know they are not perfect. But what I see is a group of people working really hard to rectify the issues.”
While acknowledging mistakes – particularly around yellow and red cards – Gatland says frustration often comes from rugby’s grey areas.
“I know how frustrating it can be when calls go against your team, particularly those that fall within the grey area.”
He points to issues such as side entry at the ruck, not releasing, or not rolling away quickly enough – areas where subjectivity is unavoidable.
What referees are really focusing on
Gatland revealed that elite referees meet only a few times a year – typically before the Autumn Nations Series and Six Nations – giving them limited time compared to teams preparing for a full season.
Despite this, officials are working hard to align their approach ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027, with four key focus areas:
Space
“Trying to create more space when it comes to teams being able to attack.”
Speed of ball
“Focusing on the tackler, and ensuring that the jackaler is completely legal at the breakdown.”
Safety
“This is important. There have been some mistakes made around this when it comes to consistency.”
Scrum and maul
“Ensuring both scrum and maul allow a contest for the ball and are also legal.”
However, Gatland believes these priorities have not been communicated clearly enough.
“I do not think these focus areas… have been communicated well enough to the fans, broadcasters and teams.”
Referees should admit mistakes
Speaking from a coach’s perspective, Gatland feels officials would gain more respect by openly acknowledging errors.
“They will get more respect when they are reviewing a performance and admit that a decision was wrong.”
He also criticised some TV commentary for inflaming situations unnecessarily.
“The most negative effect on the game can come from a TV commentator who says things like ‘that was a terrible decision’, but sometimes they are wrong or do not know the law.”
High balls, box kicks and Liam Williams
Gatland says the jury is still out on the clampdown on kicking escorts, arguing it has tilted the balance towards kicking teams.
“That now weights it more heavily for the team kicking the ball… That is why we are now seeing more box kicks in the game.”
If he were still coaching, Gatland says he would focus heavily on aerial skills in the back three.
“Liam Williams was one player who was brilliant at this.”
Law changes Gatland would make
Although he has no power to change the laws, Gatland outlined two areas he believes need clarity.
First, the breakdown:
“If a player is tackled and brought to the ground… I think they should be forced to release the ball and have to get back on their feet before playing it again.”
Second, the 50:22 law, which he wants simplified.
“Let’s make it simpler for the players, referees and fans.”
He argues that any kick made from inside a team’s own half should activate the law, regardless of where the pass originated.
TMO delays and the bunker
Gatland accepts everyone wants the correct decision but believes the game is suffering from excessive stoppages.
“In the pursuit of perfection, there can be too many delays.”
His solution?
“If a referee is convinced an offence is at least a yellow card… just show a yellow card and put the decision to the bunker straight away.”
EDITORS PICKS:
Players must take responsibility
Gatland also issued a warning to players, saying rugby risks drifting towards football-style behaviour.
“We have increasingly seen players who experience some head contact being encouraged to stay down.”
He added:
“I would like to think that there is a responsibility for the players not to go down if they are not injured.”
‘I am not Georgia coach’
Finally, Gatland addressed speculation about his future – and one rumour in particular.
“For the record, I am not the new head coach of Georgia.”
After stepping away from Wales, Gatland admits he needed a break from negativity.
“I just do not need this level of negativity from the Welsh media in my life.”
While enjoying time away since February, he has not ruled out a return.
“Some sort of role with a national team going into the next Rugby World Cup could be a good challenge.”
He also left the door open to club rugby – and even a potential return of fallen Premiership giants.
“It would be great for the Premiership if clubs with the history and tradition of Wasps, London Irish and Worcester could make a return.”
One thing is clear: Gatland may be on the “dark side” for now, but he’s far from done with the game.
2027 Rugby World Cup Draw: England get tough group
Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:
Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Pool A
New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Pool B
South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.
Pool C
Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.
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