Shuhei Kubo to become first Japanese referee in Super Rugby

Referees from Tier 2 nations are rarely seen, but this weekend Shuhei Kubo will become the first Japanese to officiate in Super Rugby. Kubo has also been awarded an international match in June as well.

Try in Romania vs Tonga match a reminder of why TMO is important

Recent internationals in the PNC and RWC warm ups have lacked a TMO, and it's resulted in match deciding calls going wrong. Most recently last weekend in a close game, Romania unluckily conceding a try in the corner that shouldn't have stood.

The global trend of referees ignoring players not supporting weight

Worldwide referees are failing to police the breakdown properly, creating a free for all that is regularly going to the benefit of defending teams allowing them to spoil possession, and also bringing in some other unwanted consequences.

Mike Fraser and some other past refereeing controversies that have cost wins against Tier 1 nations

After Canada lost out to a controversial decision by Kiwi ref Mike Fraser last weekend against Scotland, here is a lookback at a few other controversial refereeing decisions that have cost sides wins against Tier 1 nations over the years.