Rugby referee forced off during England's match against Ireland at Twickenham as Steve Borthwick's side make nightmare start to Six Nations clash: 'Something popped'
Rugby referee Andrei Piardi was forced off injured during England's Six Nations clash with Ireland in what was a nightmare first-half for Steve Borthwick's men.The home side were looking to bounce back at Twickenham after their disappointing loss at the hands of Scotland last week, but went into the break 22-7 down amid another disappointing showing.But it wasn't just the rugby that caught the eye in the first period. With 29 minutes on the clock, Italian referee Piardi pulled up hurt and cut a disappointed figure as he realised his fate.He was approached by players from both teams, with Ireland captain Caelan Doris putting a hand on the official's shoulder to console him.Piardi then appeared to explain the situation to England skipper Maro Iroje and Doris, before shaking the England man's hand and making his way off the field without treatment.As he spoke to the captains, he was heard saying: 'I heard it pop,' then adding: 'I'm out, my body's gone. Best of luck for the rest of the game.' Referee Andrei Piardi was forced off injured in the first-half of the Six Nations clash between England and Ireland
The score was 15-0 to Ireland at the time. England eventually lost 42-21.After the Italian hobbled off, he was replaced by assistant Pierre Brousset, who has officiated at Twickenham before.ITV commentator Nick Mullins said: 'Well that's a shame for him. These referees work as hard as the players to get match fit.'They're fitter than they've ever been, but if they get an in-game injury then it's understandable.' England have had a torrid start to the Six Nations, beating Wales on the opening day but then suffering a heavy defeat by Scotland to end their 12-match winning run and end hopes of a Grand Slam.But the struggles continued against Ireland, and England were error-ridden just as they were the week prior. It was the most first-half points England had conceded since 2001. Jack Crowley cored a penalty and a tries from Jamison Gibson-Park and Robert Balacoune heaped misery onto Borthwick and Co.Tommy O’Brien’s try also went over for the visitors, who had Fraser Dingwall for an apparent consolation.
Share or comment on this article:
Rugby referee forced off during England's match against Ireland at Twickenham as Steve Borthwick's side make nightmare start to Six Nations clash: 'Something popped'
