Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community<\/a>\u00a0for all the latest news direct to your phone.<\/p>\nA new respect for referees<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey know they are not perfect. But what I see is a group of people working really hard to rectify the issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
While acknowledging mistakes \u2013 particularly around yellow and red cards \u2013 Gatland says frustration often comes from rugby\u2019s grey areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know how frustrating it can be when calls go against your team, particularly those that fall within the grey area.\u201d<\/p>\n
He points to issues such as side entry at the ruck, not releasing, or not rolling away quickly enough \u2013 areas where subjectivity is unavoidable.<\/p>\n
What referees are really focusing on<\/p>\n
Gatland revealed that elite referees meet only a few times a year \u2013 typically before the Autumn Nations Series and Six Nations \u2013 giving them limited time compared to teams preparing for a full season.<\/p>\n
Despite this, officials are working hard to align their approach ahead of\u00a0Rugby World Cup 2027, with four key focus areas:<\/p>\n
Space: \u201cTrying to create more space when it comes to teams being able to attack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speed of ball: \u201cFocusing on the tackler, and ensuring that the jackaler is completely legal at the breakdown.\u201d<\/p>\n
Safety: \u201cThis is important. There have been some mistakes made around this when it comes to consistency.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scrum and maul: \u201cEnsuring both scrum and maul allow a contest for the ball and are also legal.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, Gatland believes these priorities have not been communicated clearly enough.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do not think these focus areas\u2026 have been communicated well enough to the fans, broadcasters and teams.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DTDq9KLDQue\/\n<\/p>\n
Referees should admit mistakes<\/p>\n
Speaking from a coach\u2019s perspective, Gatland feels officials would gain more respect by openly acknowledging errors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will get more respect when they are reviewing a performance and admit that a decision was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also criticised some TV commentary for inflaming situations unnecessarily.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most negative effect on the game can come from a TV commentator who says things like \u2018that was a terrible decision\u2019, but sometimes they are wrong or do not know the law.\u201d<\/p>\n
High balls, box kicks and Liam Williams<\/p>\n
Gatland says the jury is still out on the clampdown on kicking escorts, arguing it has tilted the balance towards kicking teams.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat now weights it more heavily for the team kicking the ball\u2026 That is why we are now seeing more box kicks in the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
If he were still coaching, Gatland says he would focus heavily on aerial skills in the back three.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiam Williams was one player who was brilliant at this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Law changes Gatland would make<\/p>\n
Although he has no power to change the laws, Gatland outlined two areas he believes need clarity.<\/p>\n
First, the breakdown:<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a player is tackled and brought to the ground\u2026 I think they should be forced to release the ball and have to get back on their feet before playing it again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Second, the\u00a050:22 law, which he wants simplified.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s make it simpler for the players, referees and fans.\u201d<\/p>\n
He argues that any kick made from inside a team\u2019s own half should activate the law, regardless of where the pass originated.<\/p>\n
TMO delays and the bunker<\/p>\n
Gatland accepts everyone wants the correct decision but believes the game is suffering from excessive stoppages.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the pursuit of perfection, there can be too many delays.\u201d<\/p>\n
His solution?<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a referee is convinced an offence is at least a yellow card\u2026 just show a yellow card and put the decision to the bunker straight away.\u201d<\/p>\n
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