News about Tom Foley

England head coach Steve Borthwick has sluggishly condemned the 'appalling' culture of 'online hate', which has compelled Owen Farrell to resign from international rugby for a lengthy period. Borthwick, a Test-centurion playmaker who made a decision to 'protect his and his families' mental health,' spoke out against the abuse Farrell had to endure for the first time. After two referees - Wayne Barnes and Tom Foley - resigned from the Test match after social media vitriol, the man in charge of the national team expressed his desire for all those involved in the professional game to be better understood. 'We've seen a player, a captain, and two match officials step away at the top of their game due to specific problems,' Borthwick said. 'There are socioeconomic problems.' The online hate that is spread isn't welcome, and it isn't correct.

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: I look at English rugby's corridors of influence and know that certain things would not be happening if I were still involved. Henry Arundell's deal with Racing 92, which left him unobtainable for Tests, made me feel like that. If I were head coach, England would not have a ridiculous ban on international players representing England. You have to be able to select the best players, but Steve Borthwick is unable to do so.

ALEX BYWATER: Tom Foley, the English referee, has been the youngest rugby official to step away from the game, citing the effects of social media threats and abuse. Foley was the television match official for this year's World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa. After the game, he and his young family were greeted with death. Foley's fellow referee Wayne Barnes was the man in the middle of the Paris final and resigned after the match after being bombarded with derogatory vitriol online that threatened him and his family members. After suffering abuse, England captain Owen Farrell stepped away from international rugby to shield his and his family's mental wellbeing.

ALEX BYWATER: Saracens and Sale Sharks meet in Twickenham on Saturday afternoon in the 2023 Gallagher Premiership final. The top division of English rugby has had a turbulent season. With both Worcester and Wasps defunct, financial uncertainty has rocked the region, and it is likely that London Irish will follow suit next week. However, the final is still the crown jewel in the Premiership's crown.