Watch Out - There's a Rugby World Cup about to happen in France !

The countdown to RWC 2007 France, already started in many parts of the Rugby world, will now become even more noticeable, even to non-rugby sports fans as that kick-off time of 20.00 hours BST, September 7th gets nearer and nearer. The gladiators in the Northern Hemisphere are about to embark on a series of so-called warm up games where the National Coaches of the competing teams will finely tune and then finalise their RWC2007 squads. The Southern Hemisphere combatants have done their deeds in Super 14 and Tri-Nations and now pray that their strained and battered bodies will have recovered in time for The Big One.

But there's another side to this major international sporting occasion that is being overlooked or ignored or not even thought about at this stage - the match officials. The guys in the middle who will no doubt upset somebody along the way whether it be Player, Coach or Supporter - or all three. It's always easy to take pot-shots at the Whistler - I know, I am one at Junior level - but nobody but nobody goes out to have a poor game, player or official - but it happens. So let's just spare a thought for the loniest guy in the world when it comes to game time. It's great news that Paddy O'Brien of the IRB Referees Department has issued a directive that Refs will not be permitted to meet with players and coaches before games because in the past, it is undeniable that some have used the media to both wind up their opponents but more importantly, plant a seed of doubt in the Referee's mind about an opponent or opponents and their tactics.

The IRB are basically telling the official to Ref what you see not what you have been told - and that can only be good for the game as a whole. "Spreaders" et al all enjoy a bit of banter during a game and it is essential that there is good communication with the players on the park and an empathy from the Ref for what each side is trying to do. But that's where it ends - mutually respectful communication. Whinging about decisions, providing a running commentary about what opponents are getting away with etc. etc. HAS to be jumped on from a great height. In light of Mr O'Brien's recent comments I strongly suspect it will be.

So, as somebody once said "let the mayhem begin" and let's hope that no matter which side wins RWC 2007, the overall winner is the game itself.