Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins had a few choice words for referee Mathieu Raynal in the Six Nations in 2024.
When Elliot Dee went down injured, the Wales skills coach, who was delivering water to players, couldn't resist having a word with the referee.
"High tackle, blue nine?," said Jenkins, to which Raynal abruptly responded with: "No, your job is to bring the water on".
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An incensed Jenkins fired back with: "Your job is to ref the game!," to which Raynal then reminded the Welshman he shouldn't be talking to him. It continued further, with Jenkins protesting more, prompting a swift and stern response from Raynal: "That's the second time you've spoken to me. You can't do that again."
The Welsh coach persisted with his point however, saying: "Blue nine, blue nine, high tackle. Our staff are saying it. Blue nine, high tackle."
Raynal had heard enough at this point, and gave one last warning: "Come here please. That's the last time. The next time, you cannot enter on the field."
Wales face Italy in Rome this weekend, and are hoping to beat the Azzurri for the first time since 2023. In two of the last three campaigns, Italy have beaten Wales - both occasions in Cardiff.
Last year was a 24-21 defeat on home soil again, with the result contributing to the 13 straight losses since the World Cup. The loss to Italy was a hugely frustrating one, which is why tempers frayed in the first half.
Wales had failed to score a single point in the opening 20, with Monty Ioane crossing for the visitors. Raynal had penalised Wales on a number of occasions, and it's clear this started to aggravate the Wales coach Jenkins.
Following this incident, legendary Welsh referee Nigel Owens weighed in on the moment, explaining that Jenkins was in the wrong.
"I think whether as a player or anybody involved on or off the field or as far as the spectators really, the value of respect in rugby is hugely important," explained Owens in a round table conversation with the URC.
"Continuing on, the 100-cap ref said: “It is something we pride ourselves on, particularly here in the URC. When that line is crossed, and it becomes unacceptable, then sanctions or the issues need to be dealt with. I was working at the game on Saturday, and I heard the comments between Neil Jenkins and Mathieu Raynal. I thought Mathieu Raynal dealt with it very, very well on the field, and that was dealt with.
"When you are coming on and having a go at the referee, then that is not acceptable. That needs to be dealt with. It might be a quiet word, and then it may be an official warning or letter and then a sanction. It all depends on what you feel is appropriate to deal with what was said.”
