Rugby, a sport celebrated for its respect and camaraderie, faced a troubling reminder this year when a female referee was subjected to shocking verbal abuse during a match.
The incident, which took place at Ossett RUFC, saw a supporter and player make a deeply offensive comment that left many in the rugby community reeling.
Player Suspended for Offensive Comment
Casey Johnson, who was watching his team play, shouted a crude remark at the referee that the Rugby Football Union (RFU) later described as “prejudicial to the interests of the game.”
After a thorough disciplinary review, Johnson was banned from all rugby-related activities—including playing, coaching, and even attending matches—for 32 weeks.
He was also ordered to pay £125 in costs. The identity of the referee has been kept confidential.
RFU Condemns the Behavior
In its judgement, the RFU panel called Johnson’s words “abhorrent” and “highly offensive.”
Johnson admitted he had been intoxicated at the time and had no valid explanation for his actions.
His suspension is set to end on March 13 next year.
The referee shared in her testimony how shocked she was by the comment, noting that her parents were present in the crowd and visibly hurt by what they heard.
The RFU emphasized that such language directed at a woman has no place in rugby—or society at large.
They stressed that behavior like this can discourage women from participating in the sport and fundamentally violates rugby’s core values.
South Africa Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of Rematch
Meanwhile, South African rugby fans have received another blow, as injuries threaten the Springboks’ hopes of bouncing back after their surprising defeat by Australia in the Rugby Championship.
The defending World Cup champions lost their No. 1 ranking after conceding 38 unanswered points to the Wallabies over the weekend.
Key players, including captain Siya Kolisi, are sidelined with injuries.
Kolisi faces a four-week recovery due to a knee problem, while Pieter-Steph du Toit, the current World Rugby men’s player of the year, and wing Kurt-Lee Arendse also join the injury list.
On the brighter side, first-choice backs Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe have returned to fitness, giving the Springboks some hope ahead of their next clash against Australia in Cape Town on Saturday.
