Referees are an essential part of rugby, but some decisions live far longer in the memory than any try, tackle or trophy lift.
From World Cup heartbreak to Lions drama, these are the moments that sparked outrage, divided fans and left supporters arguing long after the final whistle.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
10. Ben O’Keeffe’s Breakdown Calls
France v South Africa (2023 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final)
One of the greatest matches ever played also produced one of the biggest refereeing controversies of the professional era. French supporters were left furious by several breakdown decisions made by Ben O’Keeffe as South Africa edged a thrilling one-point victory.
9. Sam Warburton’s Red Card
Wales v France (2011 Rugby World Cup Semi-Final)
With Wales chasing their first World Cup final appearance since 1987, captain Sam Warburton was sent off after just 18 minutes by referee Alain Rolland for a dangerous tackle on Vincent Clerc.
The decision remains one of the most debated red cards in rugby history.
8. The Lions’ Phantom Penalty
South Africa v British & Irish Lions (1974)
The legendary unbeaten Lions tour featured plenty of controversy, but few moments caused as much debate as a crucial penalty decision that helped shape the outcome of the series.
More than 50 years later, South African fans still dispute the call.
7. The Greatest Try Never Scored
New Zealand v Wales (1978)
Welsh supporters remain convinced they were denied one of the greatest tries rugby has ever seen.
With the line at their mercy, New Zealand lock Andy Haden intervened in controversial fashion, preventing a score that many believe should have stood.
6. The 2017 Lions Series Decider
The final moments of the drawn third Test between New Zealand and the British & Irish Lions remain one of rugby’s strangest refereeing moments.
Referee Romain Poite initially awarded the All Blacks a match-winning penalty after a mistake from Lions hooker Ken Owens.
After consulting his assistants, Poite remarkably reversed the decision and awarded a scrum instead, allowing the Lions to secure a historic drawn series.
