Physical and mental wellbeing at centre of World Rugby-backed refereeing body
World Rugby has endorsed the establishment of a new representative body for match officials in the wake of unprecedented online abuse.
International Rugby Match Officials (IRMO) has been formed to support referees by promoting and protecting them on and off the field.
The body will have input into discussions and decisions with the governing body regarding future laws, protocol development, and audience education.
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Key to the group is promoting officiating as a career path.
Wayne Barnes awards a penalty during a Test between New Zealand and Ireland. Joe Allison via Getty Images
Although the formalisation of the IRMO has been on the radar for some time, it comes off the back of several incidents involving referees who were subject to threats.
Wayne Barnes, who has the most Tests as a referee with 101, recently revealed he had received death threats while his wife had been threatened with sexual violence.
Such was the abuse that Barnes considered quitting his post. Now, he's getting behind the IRMO.
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"Today's launch represents an important development for the recognition and support of rugby match officials on the world stage," said Barnes.
"For the first time there will be a collective voice and support network for international referees and television match officials, championing matters of interest ranging from physical and mental wellbeing promotion to upholding the sport's values and representing international match officials within World Rugby decision-making structures."
Wayne Barnes (from left) Nic Berry, and Chris Busby make a decision whilst looking at the TMO during the Six Nations. Stu Forster via Getty Images
The IRMO will "enhance safety and spectacle" by promoting and supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of its members.
The body will benefit men's and women's competition across international 15s and sevens.
World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin echoed Barnes' sentiment.
"Match officials are fundamental to the sport and their role is greater than the matches they officiate," said Gilpin.
"They are ambassadors, champions of our values and increasingly contributing to the future shape of the sport through their game expertise.
"The establishment of IRMO importantly provides both a voice and a support mechanism for the world's top match officials and will better formalise the interactions between them and World Rugby across a range of topics from law review, officiating performance and tournament provisions to commercial opportunities and mental wellbeing, all geared towards enabling them to be the best they can be on and off the field."
IRMO will hold its first AGM in January. A chair and board will be elected in due course.
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