World Cup final TMO Tom Foley to take break from international rugby after abuse

English referee Tom Foley has decided to step away from Test rugby officiating for the foreseeable future, citing pressure, scrutiny and online abuse he received following the Rugby World Cup final.

Foley was television match official for that showpiece fixture between South Africa and New Zealand in Paris, which the Springboks won 12-11 and the All Blacks had skipper Sam Cane sent off.

The 38-year-old said last month that death threats had been aimed at him and his family since the World Cup, and he had to warn his children's school as a result.

Wayne Barnes, who refereed October’s final, announced his retirement last month and referenced the online abuse he had faced, while family members were also targeted.

And Foley’s decision comes after England captain Owen Farrell (below) chose to take a break from international rugby – he will miss this season’s Six Nations – to prioritise his and his family’s mental health.

"The pressure and scrutiny I came under after the Rugby World Cup Final, along with a torrent of criticism and abuse online, has helped to reaffirm that this is the right decision for me at this point in my life," Foley said in a statement released by the Rugby Football Union.

"While it is a privilege to be at the heart of some of the sport’s most iconic moments, the increasing levels of vitriol, when the demands and expectation are so high, have led me to this moment.

"Having reached the pinnacle in officiating at the Rugby World Cup Final, now feels the right time to take a break from the international game.

"Over the course of 13 years, I have been fortunate to officiate alongside many dedicated professionals and be involved in some of the greatest games in international rugby.

"Working as an international match