Joe Schmidt Avoids Sanctions After Controversy in the Second Lions Test
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will not face any disciplinary action for his comments on the controversial conclusion of the second test between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions. This was confirmed by the top governing body of world rugby. World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin spoke out about the controversy that has divided the rugby world, assuring that Schmidt will not be sanctioned for his post-match statements.Gilpin backed the party officials, acknowledging the difficulty of their work and stating that Schmidt did not question the integrity of the referees with his comments. The comment that could have caused problems for Schmidt was that the decision not to penalize Jac Morgan and disallow Hugo Keenan’s try did not comply with the emphasis on player safety. Gilpin expressed his disappointment at the comments that questioned World Rugby’s commitment to player welfare. Gilpin also announced that the results of the ongoing review of Jac Morgan’s action will not be made public. Gilpin explained that the reason for the party officials’ decision will be shared with Joe and the technical team, allowing for a debate so that the team understands how the next test will be refereed.“No, I think Joe, you know, there’s a lot of emotion, understandably. The Wallabies had the opportunity to win an incredible match. We understand the emotion involved in that”.
Alan Gilpin, Head of World Rugby
![Joe Schmidt [R] won't face sanction over his comments about Jac Morgan's clean-out from the dying stages of the second Lions Test](https://a4.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0729%2Fr1525054_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg "WR backs referees and exonerates Schmidt after Lions-Wallabies controversy 2")
The image shows Joe Schmidt.
The decision has generated debate and discussion, but Gilpin emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue. The World Rugby boss also revealed that he met with Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh, who requested an “explanation” and some “accountability” from World Rugby regarding the decision. However, Gilpin reiterated that the findings will not be made public, despite suggestions that this could help calm the unrest of the followers and clarify how actions like Morgan’s should be judged in the future.
