12.00pm
Rugby World Cup organisers say action will be taken against Namibia's coach, New Zealander Dave Waterston, because of what they called unacceptable comments about referees.
Waterston said after Namibia's 64-7 defeat to Ireland on Sunday that he believed smaller nations were more heavily penalised when they played established rugby powers.
"The tragedy
is that if you're a ref and you want the big appointments you've got to lick the backsides of the top nations," Waterston told reporters on Sunday.
Rugby World Cup spokesman Chris Rea said organisers had taken a dim view of Waterston's comments and would soon decide what action to take.
"Those remarks are certainly deemed to be unacceptable as far as Rugby World Cup is concerned and an action is being considered by Rugby World Cup," Rea said.
Waterston asked World Cup officials to cite Ireland lock Paul O'Connell for stamping on Namibia lock Archie Graham in Sunday's match.
However, officials released a statement yesterday announcing citing commissioner Douglas Hunter had decided not to do so.
Rea earlier said England No 8 Lawrence Dallaglio had also not been cited over an incident in England's 25-6 defeat of South Africa on Saturday.
Dallaglio punched South Africa winger Thinus Delport, who left the field with a cut above his eye.
Under tournament rules, a citing commissioner has 24 hours from the end of a match to decide whether further action is taken.
Teams do not have the power to cite opposing players but can refer incidents to the disciplinary panel for consideration. The citing commissioner then decides whether there is a case to answer.
- REUTERS
Rugby World Cup:
Full World Cup coverage
