World Cup TMO steps away from Test rugby over abuse
English referee Tom Foley, who received death threats after acting as television match official at the Rugby World Cup final, will step away from officiating Test rugby for the foreseeable future, it was announced on Monday. Foley was TMO for October's final 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 the 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 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. Foley, who has officiated in 48 Tests, four Champions Cup finals and controlled more than 200 Premiership games, will continue to referee in English rugby's flagship domestic league. (AFP)