World Cup final TMO Tom Foley takes Test break after abuse and threats

The 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 after the Rugby World Cup final.

Foley was television match official for South Africa’s 12-11 win against New Zealand, in which the All Blacks captain, Sam Cane, was sent off. The 38-year-old referee 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 the final in October, announced his retirement last month and referenced the online abuse he had faced, while family members were also targeted.

Foley’s decision comes after the England captain, Owen Farrell, 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, 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 domestic league.

The RFU chief executive, Bill Sweeney, said: “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 Media.

George North, meanwhile, has agreed a two-year deal with French second division club Provence. The 31-year-old Ospreys centre will move to southern France next summer, where his new team-mates will include current Wales prop Tomas Francis. Provence currently lie second in their league, with North a statement recruit for a club harbouring Top 14 ambitions.

“My family and I are very excited to join Provence Rugby, starting next season,” North told the club’s official website. “I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and starting an incredible adventure in Provence.”

North has won 119 caps, scored 47 tries for Wales and played in four World Cups. He will remain available to Wales head coach Warren Gatland after the Provence switch.