By Ridley
September 17 2002

Free speech is rapidly disappearing out of rugby. Rob Andrew's response to Roy Maybanks's plethora of penalties, and ultimate match losing decisions, has earned him a finger wagging from Twickers.

In effect he's been told to keep his shut and put any complaints in writing so they can be filed away. Hasn't anybody at HQ got a sense of humour or a sense of how worked up coaches get during a game of rugby? Letting of steam is supposed to be healthy.

Apparently under rules introduced by England Rugby coaches now have the opportunity to complain directly to the manager of the elite referees department, Colin High, about the performances of officials.

"Referees are accountable," Rugby Football Union's performance director Chris Spiceis reported as saying. "We have put the machinery in place for directors of rugby to make known their views about the performances of officials, if Rob Andrew or anyone else submits a complaint it will be looked at immediately and action taken if it is warranted."

err... by which time everyone will have forgotten the game.