The second Test between the Wallabies and British & Irish Lions came to a controversial end when World Rugby effectively agreed that officials had made the correct call in overlooking a clear-out by Jac Morgan to the head and shoulders area of Carlo Tizzano.
It was an incident that has so often led to at least a penalty as World Rugby have placed a huge focus on player welfare and reducing dangerous head contact situations, but referee Andrea Piardi deemed the action to be legal.
Afterwards, World Rugby came out to support the controversial decision of the officials, but now just a week later, another foul play incident has come into the spotlight in the third Test between the Wallabies and Lions.
On this occasion, Lions hooker Dan Sheehan was spotted flying into the ruck and making direct contact with the head of Wallabies star Tom Lynagh.
Sheehan’s right arm was tucked, and Lynagh could be seen bracing for impact in a defenceless position, before having to be replaced after going for a Head Injury Assessment afterwards.
However, the TMO surprisingly did not referee Nika Amashukeli to the incident, and no action was taken.
World Rugby are now reviewing the incident
It was confirmed after the game thatSheehan will have a citing complaint reviewed by an Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) after being cited by the independent citing commissioner Adrien Menez for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.20 (a) (a player must not charge into a ruck or maul…) in the third Test.
In line with World Rugby’s expedited off-field sanction process, Sheehan’s case will be considered by the on-duty Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) comprising Wang Shao-ing (chair), Val Toma and Mike Mika on Sunday, 3 August 2025.
There will be a big focus on the decision as World Rugby need to do some explaining around such controversial and inconsistent calls from the officials, which have really blighted the last two Tests in the Lions series against Australia.
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