World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has pushed back against criticism from Australia head coach Joe Schmidt, who claimed a controversial refereeing decision during the second Test against the British and Irish Lions undermined the sport’s commitment to player welfare.
The contentious moment came in the final seconds of a gripping clash at Melbourne’s MCG, where Hugo Keenan’s late try sealed a series victory for the Lions. The try was upheld after officials reviewed a ruck clearout by Lions flanker Jac Morgan, who appeared to make contact with the neck and shoulder area of Wallabies player Carlo Tizzano.
Tizzano was bent low in a jackaling position as he tried to win a turnover near his own try line when Morgan drove into him. Despite the apparent high contact, referee Andrea Piardi ruled the clearout legal, supported by the television match official, and allowed the try to stand.
Following the match, Schmidt criticised the decision, citing Law 9.20, which prohibits players from making contact above the shoulder line during a ruck and requires them to bind on entry.
“It didn’t live up to what World Rugby is trying to promote in terms of player safety,” Schmidt said.
Gilpin, speaking on BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast, strongly disagreed: “I don’t agree with that. We’re trying to strike a very difficult but essential balance between maintaining the physicality that makes rugby great and ensuring it’s as safe as possible for players. That balance is tough to achieve.”
Gilpin acknowledged Schmidt’s frustrations but defended the sport’s broader efforts to improve safety, including investments in technology and research. “Joe and all international coaches are well aware of the massive investment we’re making in welfare—whether it’s through instrumented mouthguards, or science and medical research,” he said.
He added that while rugby’s complex laws can spark controversy, they also fuel discussion: “One of rugby’s great traits is the complexity of its laws and how they’re interpreted. It can lead to frustration, but it also gets people talking—and talking positively—about the game.”
The incident, watched by over 90,000 fans at the MCG, has reignited debate around the interpretation of safety laws in high-stakes moments, especially as rugby continues to face scrutiny over head injuries and player welfare.
