Wales coach Neil Jenkins was involved in an on-pitch row with referee Mathieu Raynal during Saturday’s game against Italy in the Six Nations. Both teams went into the match knowing that defeat would see them finish bottom of the table and Italy got off to a better start, racing into an 11-point lead in the opening 20 minutes.
Wales were often penalised during the first half against Italy, with the hosts lacking discipline and paying the price on a regular basis. Jenkins was left unhappy with the performance of the referee and made his feelings known during a break in play, in which the pair exchanged words.
Jenkins brought on water for the Welsh players after Elliott Dee went down with an injury and could not resist having a pop at Raynal, saying: “High tackle, blue nine?” Raynal appeared to be caught by surprise and was heard replying: “No, your job is to bring the water on.”
Raynal’s response seemed to irk Jenkins, who snapped back: “Your job is to ref the game.” The official was unmoved by the remark and simply repeated that Jenkins should not be speaking to him, with his job only to bring the water on.
Jenkins continued to protest in the direction of Raynal, who eventually decided that enough was enough and blew his whistle before reprimanding the Wales coach. He said: “That’s the second time you’ve spoken to me. You can’t do that again.” Jenkins carried on, though, repeating: “Blue nine, blue nine, high tackle. Our staff are saying it. Blue nine, high tackle.”
Raynal went on to give Jenkins a final warning, with his patience wearing thin due to the latter’s protests. He called Jenkins over for a chat before laying down the law by telling him: “Come here please. That’s the last time. The next time, you cannot enter on the field.”
Wales ended up losing to Italy in front of their own fans despite mounting a late surge, with the visitors hanging on to claim a 24-21 victory. The result marked back-to-back wins for Italy in Cardiff and condemned Wales to their first wooden spoon in 21 years, having lost all five of their Six Nations matches.
It was certainly a tournament to forget for Wales, who won the Six Nations just three years ago but currently look a shadow of their former selves. Warren Gatland will now be tasked with dusting his players down before aiming to improve on their dismal showing at the next opportunity in 2025.
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