Owen Doyle: Only one thing is certain about new tackling laws

We met in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, and it couldn’t have been a more appropriate venue. Everybody present had struck at least one major iceberg during their career. Warm, firm friendships were re-established within moments, the banter and the humorous insults flowed.

Maybe you’ve guessed, it was a gathering of international referees, those of yesteryear. There was also a welcome sprinkling of TMOs at the party, in case we couldn’t agree. It was a great evening, impeccably organised by former Test referee Brian Stirling, who can still claim fame – as the father of international cricketer Paul. The Irish contingent was led by Stephen Hilditch, Dave McHugh and Alan Lewis. The visitors from the UK included Derek Bevan (Wales) and Ed Morrison (England), both World Cup final referees, and Jim Fleming (Scotland). How the game today would benefit from that little group.