Refs need 'thicker skin than an elephant' - URC officials boss Tappe Henning

URC officials' boss Tappe Henning insists referees are held to a very high standard and detailed how reviews of their performances are carried out.

The South African spoke to members of the media on Thursday, with the virtual press conference coming in the aftermath of the Mack Hansen affair.

The Connacht and Ireland wing was handed a six-week ban, reduced to three, following his outburst claiming on-going bias against his club.

In addition he is to undertake a match officiating course and the Connacht panel must receive media re-education about post-match media dealings.

Hansen’s comments came in a stunning post-match press conference following Connacht’s URC loss to Leinster last month.

The 26-year-old felt there were a number of incidents that were treated differently, saying, "it’s just getting to the point where it’s starting to really piss us off because we just feel we’re getting played out of games and we never ever get any calls."

The referee that evening, Chris Busby, was reported to be retiring, however, the URC yesterday confirmed that he remains available for selection for this season and is assistant referee at Leinster v Stormers on Saturday.

However, he has been replaced as assistant referee for the two Six Nations matches, France v Wales and Italy v France, he was due to officiate.

"The first thing to say is that referees are accountable," said Henning.

"They are accountable for their performances to the BKT URC.

"Every referee is reviewed during a match by a reviewer who makes notes of decisions that may not be accurate or decisions which were not made.

"After the game, on the Monday, the referee will join up with the reviewer and discuss the various incidents to get clarity around those decisions.

"It’s a process