A promise to protect rugby's match officials from online abuse.

It comes after a World Rugby report found referees were the fourth most targeted group at last year's Rugby World Cup.

Prominent official Wayne Barnes picked up a third of vitriol aimed at individuals by the end of the 2023 event.

World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin says protecting match officials from online abuse is crucial towards keeping and maintaining top talent.

"We need to reassure them that the sport's taking their own protection seriously, so that's absolutely important."

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A promise to protect rugby's match officials from online abuse.
It comes after a World Rugby report found referees were the fourth most targeted group at last year's Rugby World Cup.
Prominent official Wayne Barnes picked up a third of vitriol aimed at individuals by the end of the 2023 event.
World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin says protecting match officials from online abuse is crucial towards keeping and maintaining top talent.
"We need to reassure them that the sport's taking their own protection seriously, so that's absolutely important."
LISTEN ABOVE

Weekend Sport with Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB brings you all the action and reaction to the sporting weekend.