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#Post#: 80219--------------------------------------------------
Rugby Premiership Final
By: Alfie75 Date: June 4, 2024, 4:20 am
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Saturday 8 June
Northampton Saints v Bath Rugby - Twickenham Stadium
Referee: Christophe Ridley
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce & Anthony Woodthorpe
TMO: Tom Foley
So, as mentioned yesterday, Ridley's appointment confirmed.
The first time in a number of years that the SF referee gets the
final appointment too.
Congrats to Christophe on his appointment who actually refereed
this fixture in Mid-May.
#Post#: 80223--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rugby Premiership Final
By: RCG Date: June 4, 2024, 9:46 am
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Based on games last week he was the better referee. Pleased to
see Christophe's progress.
(Maybe Dickson and Carley saved their best for Europe)
A very solid team of 6 appointed, hope it goes well
#Post#: 80226--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rugby Premiership Final
By: Whistleblower Date: June 4, 2024, 10:33 am
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Is this the new order taking over ? When Wayne Barnes retired I
assumed Luke Pearce would be England's Number 1. It appears the
Rugby refereeing authorities did not agree with me so then I
thought perhaps it would be Karl Dickson just pipping Matthew
Carley to it. Perhaps this appointment betokens the fact that
Christophe ( is there some French background ? ) Ridley is to be
reckoned up among the big beasts looking to inherit Wayne
Barnes' crown.
Some years ago a friend, very knowledgeable in Rugby refereeing
matters, said the person to look out for in terms of rapid rise
was Craig Maxwell-Keys. However, it appears that he does not
feature as an international referee whilst still officiating at
a high level domestically. Does anyone know whether this is of
his own volition or it has not been granted to him ?
#Post#: 80227--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rugby Premiership Final
By: RCG Date: June 4, 2024, 10:56 am
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CMK has opted to pursue his career outside of rugby so is one of
the part time refs that do Premiership matches
#Post#: 80228--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rugby Premiership Final
By: Alfie75 Date: June 4, 2024, 11:11 am
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I've got to be honest here, I think Christophe was scheduled for
the semi final appointment and that is where his season ended!
Added to this Luke's performance pushed him into the final as an
AR too as I believe his season would also have ended at the
semi's stage.
The fact that Christophe put in probably the best performance of
the season (big statement I know) - and received rave reviews
from just about everyone changed the tune from the selectors who
the quickly opted for his final appointment.
It is really unusual for the referee of a semi-final refereeing
the final generally (unlike with rugby league in the UK).
Also added to the fact that both semi's were controversy free
and all officials involved contributed to this.
I have a feeling that Dickson and Carley were probably pencilled
in for the final game in some capacity.
In regards to Barnes' succsessor - Clearly for the top brass,
there is no clear number 1 (hence the spread of appointments
domestically and on the world stage). This is a testament to the
quality of English officials. On the world stage Christophe has
some way to go but this appointment has certainly put his name
right out there for Joel Jutge and Co!!
Craig Maxwell-Keys was extremely well thought of by Tony
Spreadbury domestically (when he was in charge of the UK
referees) and pushed on the world stage where for some reason
Alain Rolland and Joel Jutge just didn't see the same in him.
With the likes of Karl Dickson, Matt Carley, Christophe Ridley
and more recently Adam Leale being pushed ahead of him, he
realised the writing was on the wall where he knew his time had
come and gone (A bit like Stuart Attwell).
I also believe that a job opportunity outside of rugby was too
tempting to turn down and he has in recent years taken a
part-time match official role.
A shame as I also rated him!
#Post#: 80233--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rugby Premiership Final
By: Whistleblower Date: June 5, 2024, 8:09 am
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Thank you Alfie75 for that most comprehensive and informative
answer.
#Post#: 80269--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rugby Premiership Final
By: RCG Date: June 8, 2024, 11:20 am
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A compelling if not thrilling game where defences were on top,
deservedly won by a moment of attacking brilliance by
Northampton.
I thought the officials were excellent, well led by Ridley, very
few decisions I would even query, let alone disagree with.
The "biggest" decision of the red card was spot on - lots of
force, clear line of sight, down to up by Obano. Well reasoned,
well explained, perfect
Ridley can be very proud of his first Premiership final
#Post#: 80271--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rugby Premiership Final
By: NRUReferee Date: June 8, 2024, 1:01 pm
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lan Tempest & Craig Maxwell-Keys were the two reserve officials
today
#Post#: 80275--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rugby Premiership Final
By: Failed Ref Date: June 9, 2024, 4:27 am
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Stephen Jones of the Times described Ridley's performance as
superb which is high praise from him. I wouldn't disagree. One
thing that intrigued me is that when looking at the red card
offence he considered mitigation. As I understand it, serious
foul play which I would suggest direct contact to the head (or
neck) is, there can be no mitigation if you follow WR
guidelines. The Bath player made no attempt to go low. One thing
I had to clarify is whether the neck is considered to be off
limits and as I thought it is. So looking at the replays of the
incident, I am surprised that anyone should question the
decision arguing that contact was not made with the head.
Whatever, Ridley's star is definitely rising. Perhaps, one
possible reason why he is preferred to Luke Pearce is that he
looks more authoritative, has greater presence especially now as
he appears to have bulked up. Might explain why Dickson has
advanced over other possible claimants.
#Post#: 80276--------------------------------------------------
Re: Rugby Premiership Final
By: Whistleblower Date: June 9, 2024, 6:58 am
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[quote author=Failed Ref link=topic=6049.msg80275#msg80275
date=1717925258]
Stephen Jones of the Times described Ridley's performance as
superb which is high praise from him. I wouldn't disagree. One
thing that intrigued me is that when looking at the red card
offence he considered mitigation. As I understand it, serious
foul play which I would suggest direct contact to the head (or
neck) is, there can be no mitigation if you follow WR
guidelines. The Bath player made no attempt to go low. One thing
I had to clarify is whether the neck is considered to be off
limits and as I thought it is. So looking at the replays of the
incident, I am surprised that anyone should question the
decision arguing that contact was not made with the head.
Whatever, Ridley's star is definitely rising. Perhaps, one
possible reason why he is preferred to Luke Pearce is that he
looks more authoritative, has greater presence especially now as
he appears to have bulked up. Might explain why Dickson has
advanced over other possible claimants.
[/quote]
I certainly agree that Christophe Ridley gave a fine performance
and it is true that he now looks to be somewhat older than the
rather callow youth he once appeared to be. There can be no
doubt his star is rising fast. However, I would say that Luke
Pearce exudes authority when he is refereeing, both in in style
and appearance. England has done well to have so many very good
referees following Wayne Barnes departure.
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