Lawrence: I was hounded out

Referee Bryce Lawrence has lifted the lid on the criticism he endured after taking charge of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup win over Australia last year.

The New Zealand native announced his retirement from the sport this week citing severe “behind the scenes” pressure as a contributing factor in his decision.

Lawrence admitted the fallout from his display in South Africa’s defeat to the Wallabies in the tournament’s quarter-final was “absolutely the reason for my career change”.