The question arises: should rugby integrate on-field fighting as ice hockey does, or is World Rugby correct in their efforts to sanitize the sport?
Ex-England player Courtney Lawes suggests rugby could benefit from a more relaxed stance on on-field altercations.
A look at the early moments of the 1991 Rugby World Cup quarter-final between Ireland and Australia illustrates the evolution in rugby’s approach to physical confrontations.
RUGBY AND FIGHTING: A HISTORIC PAIRING
In the 1991 match in Dublin, players exchanged punches right after kickoff, with Australia’s Willie Ofahengaue and Ireland’s Philip Matthews among the early aggressors.
Back then, rugby was largely amateur, and attitudes towards fighting were more lenient.
Today, with the advent of the TMO (Television Match Official), players avoid even the hint of a punch, knowing that landing one means immediate expulsion.
South African rugby is replete with tales of legendary players who were also enforcers, some even celebrated in song for their physical prowess.
The introduction of the card system, a relatively new aspect of rugby, has significantly altered how referees handle foul play.
Rugby has made strides in shedding its image as a gladiatorial or blood sport.
Despite these changes, rugby remains a contact sport. Lawes believes rugby could learn from ice hockey, which has not only accepted but also regulated fighting within its rules.
A CALL FOR CONTROLLED CONFRONTATION
Lawes argues that fans enjoy the occasional scuffle during a match, though he does not endorse outright brawls.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby podcast, Lawes remarked, “Many aspects that fans enjoy are being phased out, like minor scuffles. While we don’t want full-on fistfights, no fan dislikes seeing teams engage in a physical confrontation.
“Such moments energize the fans. I recall a match against Munster where, as a spectator, I saw a major scuffle, and the crowd’s reaction was electric. The subsequent intense play is exactly what people love.
“Currently, referees, already burdened by numerous rules, are overly protective of players, threatening them with penalties for misconduct,” he added.
“Ice hockey retains fights, understanding their appeal to fans. I’m not advocating for fights in rugby, nor do I believe they’ll enhance the game, but we’re diminishing our sport’s excitement by eliminating these elements.”
Lawes feels rugby is overlooking a crucial aspect that fans adore.
“Rugby has immense potential. It’s a fantastic sport where fans can mingle and enjoy themselves. We could create an exceptional experience,” he concluded.
