IRB plans to address referee problems

The head of the IRB referees Paddy O'Brien has come off the ropes, packing several punches this morning.

O'Brien admits the standard of refereeing has been a mixed bag in the Tri Nations and the problems will be addressed by the IRB.

But he says the President of South African rugby acted disgracefully in chastising Paul Honiss and Stuart Dickinson last week.

O'Brien says there needs to be a public apology because they have effectively been accused of cheating while they will not tolerate John Connolly telling them who should and who should not referee their games.

Paddy O'Brien admits the standard of touch judging has also not been up to scratch in the Tri Nations and the IRB will take action.

- NEWSTALK ZB