Red cards, yellow cards, citings and confusion - rugby on a precipice after summer controversies

Barely a week goes by during the rugby season without some controversy on the disciplinary front and it was the same story in the summer internationals. Just about the one consistent factor right now seems to be inconsistency.

In particular, there has been huge debate over the contrasting way incidents of head contact are being handled. That, of course, is all the more pertinent amid growing concerns over brain injuries and Ryan Jones’ revelation that he has been diagnosed with early onset dementia at 41.

Rugby correspondent runs the rule over the key cases of contention over the past month and reflects on where the game stands now and the continuing challenges facing the powers-that-be in terms of preventing concussions.

The opening game of the opening weekend and we had our first controversy. In the dying minutes of the first Test between New Zealand and Ireland at Eden Park, All Blacks flanker Jordie Barrett appeared to catch opposite number Peter O’Mahony to the head with his shoulder in a ruck clear-out near his own line.

English referee Karl Dickson penalised him for not using his arms in the clear-out, but ruled he connected with the body of the veteran Irishman. So he opted not to issue a card, while South African TMO Marius Jonker didn’t intervene.

Cue outrage on social media with Barrett being labelled “a lucky boy” and the incident dubbed “sickening” and “horrible”, with many insisting it was a red card offence. Yet there was to be no citing, sparking fresh disquiet and head-scratching in some quarters.

Among the litany of offences in rugby union, hair-pulling isn’t one you see too often. But that was at the centre of the big talking point incident during the first Test between Australia and England.

Wallaby