Cheika, Peyper warned after chat

SYDNEY: New South Wales coach Michael Cheika and referee Jaco Peyper have been reprimanded by southern hemisphere rugby’s governing body after the pair had a discussion at halftime during the Waratahs Super Rugby clash with the Auckland Blues on March 28.

New Zealand media had reported yesterday the Blues had filed a complaint with Sanzar about Cheika visiting the match officials’ changing rooms at the break. Coaches are prohibited from having any discussions with match officials during the course of a game.

After conducting an investigation Sanzar had accepted there had been an exchange between Cheika and Peyper, though they were satisfied it was just to clarify an interpretation of scrums. “In a short and polite exchange that took place in the referee’s change room, Mr Peyper responded to Mr Cheika’s request for clarification. No other issues were discussed,” Sanzar said. “Both Mr Cheika and Mr Peyper have acknowledged this exchange should not have taken place and apologised.”

The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported there had been suggestions from the Blues they had noticed a “massive difference in interpretation and application of the laws in the second half”, though Sanzar said Cheika’s discussion did not affect the match. “There is no evidence that the referee was influenced by the exchange in his handling of the match, nor in the circumstances has there been a breach of the SANZAR Code of Conduct and no further action will be taken.

“Sanzar has issued formal warnings to both Mr Cheika and Mr Peyper and has written to all referees and coaches, reminding them that no discussions should take place between the match officials and coaches during a match.” – Reuters