RFU probe Robinson's ref rap

The Rugby Football Union will investigate comments made by England coach Andy Robinson about the performance of referee Jonathan Kaplan in Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations defeat to Ireland.

The RFU today decided not to lodge an official complaint to the International Rugby Board but will “set out any concerns the England team management may have in a confidential manner“.

Robinson had been critical of Kaplan’s performance in England 19-13 Dublin defeat.

But after Robinson, Premiership referee Steve Lander and the RFU’s referees manager Colin High had studied the tape it was decided no formal complaint would be submitted.

The RFU reaffirmed its stance against “abuse of match official at any level of the game” and Robinson’s comments will be looked into by disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett.

The RFU's decision means Robinson could be liable to charges of bringing the game into disrepute from his own employers, which if proven might lead to a fine and touchline ban.

The RFU statement read: "The England head coach Andy Robinson, elite referee manager Colin High and Steve Lander reviewed yesterday the tape of the Ireland v England match played in Dublin on Sunday and they have discussed their findings with the RFU. As a result of these discussions neither the England head coach nor the RFU will be making any complaint to the IRB.

“The RFU will be submitting, through the office of the RFU chief executive Francis Baron OBE, its comments and concerns regarding the match on the official IRB form provided by the IRB for national teams to comment on the performance of the match officials.

“This form will set out any concerns that the England team management may have in a confidential manner. The RFU are entirely happy for the IRB to handle the matter through their normal procedures.

“The RFU would also like to confirm that it does not condone abuse of match officials at any level of the game. The RFU disciplinary officer will be looking into comments made by England and RFU officials after the game.

“The RFU disciplinary officer, his honour Judge Jeff Blackett, further to discussions involving Six Nations and IRB officials, has reached agreement that any investigation and subsequent action should be the responsibility of the RFU.”