THERE ARE so many different bodies in rugby, usually identified by their initials, by the slow pace at which they operate, and by the widespread confusion caused when they tread on each other’s toes. Which is inevitable.
The latest is IRMO (International Rugby Match Officials). And its first meeting was being set as we went to press. Another hopeless admin crew? No, nothing like it. This is a group created from original ideas by Wayne Barnes and Hollie Davidson, and backed by their colleagues in high-level officiating. Welcome. This is a group sorely needed. It is a form of unionisation, though I cannot see them striking. And they really should motor along to a position of enormous influence in rugby.
In fact, without putting it too strong, they should break away, be blithely independent. We will come to that in a moment.
Why is a new body needed?
“The establishment of IRMO importantly provides both a voice and a support mechanism for the world’s top match officials and will better
