The approach by Waratahs coach Michael Cheika to referee Jaco Peyper during halftime of the match against the Blues in Sydney a fortnight ago has been confirmed by governing body Sanzar.
Sanzar this afternoon issued a statement to that fact following a story in this morning's New Zealand Herald, adding Cheika, who was on a final warning due to previous misconduct charges, and Peyper, had received formal warnings.
"After undertaking a thorough investigation, including receiving statements from all parties involved, it was determined that Mr Cheika had approached the match referee, Jaco Peyper, in front of the other match officials to seek clarification on a scrum interpretation during the half time break of the Waratahs v Blues match," the statement said.
"In a short and polite exchange that took place in the referee's change room, Mr Peyper responded to Mr Cheika's request for clarification. No other issues were discussed. Both Mr Cheika and Mr Peyper have subsequently acknowledged this exchange should not have taken place and apologised.
"There is no evidence that the referee was influenced by the exchange in his handling of the match, nor in the circumstances has there been a breach of the Sanzar Code of Conduct and no further action will be taken.
