English referee Tom Foley has decided to step away from Test rugby officiating for the foreseeable future, citing pressure, scrutiny and online abuse he received following the Rugby World Cup final.
Foley was television match official for that showpiece fixture between South Africa and New Zealand in Paris, which the Springboks won 12-11 and the All Blacks had skipper Sam Cane sent off.
The 38-year-old said last month that death threats had been aimed at him and his family since the World Cup, and he had to warn his children's school as a result.
Wayne Barnes, who refereed October’s final, announced his retirement last month and referenced the online abuse he had faced, while family members were also targeted.
And Foley’s decision comes after England captain Owen Farrell (below) chose to take a break from international rugby – he will miss this season’s Six Nations – to prioritise his and his family’s mental health.
"The pressure and scrutiny I came under after the Rugby World Cup Final, along with a torrent of criticism and abuse online, has helped to reaffirm that this is the right decision for me at this point in my life," Foley said in a statement released by the Rugby Football Union.
"While it is a privilege to be at the heart of some of the sport’s most iconic moments, the increasing levels of vitriol, when the demands and expectation are so high, have led me to this moment.
"Having reached the pinnacle in officiating at the Rugby World Cup Final, now feels the right time to take a break from the international game.
"Over the course of 13 years, I have been fortunate to officiate alongside many dedicated professionals and be involved in some of the greatest games in international rugby.
"Working as an international match official takes you away from home for extended periods, and I am looking forward to spending more time at home with my young children.
"I am very grateful to my family for their support during my career. Without them, none of it would have been possible."
Foley (above), who has officiated in 48 Tests, four Champions Cup finals and controlled more than 200 Premiership games, will continue to referee in English rugby’s flagship domestic league.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney added: "The abuse Tom has suffered since the Rugby World Cup final, along with other officials involved in that game, is totally unacceptable and no-one should be treated in this way, doing their job for the sport they are so committed to and passionate about.
"We will do everything possible to help guard against the abuse aimed at match officials and players, and would urge everyone in our game to consider the role they can play in upholding rugby values."
World Rugby said it would continue to do everything possible to protect and support international match officials and their families.
"The apparent rise of online hate in society and sport is worrying and totally unacceptable, and we applaud Tom for bravely speaking out," a World Rugby spokesperson told the PA news agency.
"We will continue to do everything possible to protect and support our international match officials and their families, by bringing abusers to justice.
"As a result of our partnership with Signify AI, we have been able to unmask and identify abusers and take action through law enforcement agencies.
"We hope that prosecutions will send a clear message that such behaviour is not tolerated, and even if a person hides behind an alias on a social media network they can be identified and charged."
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