Ulster v Connacht Videos

[Rooster]

The ref called it for crossing

No he didn't he can clearly be heard saying "obstruction, no maul formed"

[Cap'n Grumpy]

I beleive it is prohibited to talk to the ref before the match capt sir
not sure which law

From an international & ML referee,

Some coaches will give me a buzz before the game and ask for clarity on certain issues.

From a former Ulster coach

I would also have at least one conversation with the referee before we play to try to iron out some areas and we’d ask him what he thinks of us (he’ll have watched videos of us too), and if there’s any areas he’s concerned about. There is a flow of information between the coaches and the referees.

I also know from personal conversations with both, that exchange of info/tactics/ploys does (did?) take place before matches.

Before the World Cup, there was a ban put in place on meetings between referees and coaches prior to matches and referees were instructed to referee only what they saw on the park. I'm not sure that "ban" has extended to other matches/competitions since the World Cup (but is the reason for my disclaimer in the previous post).

[bogboy]

Take your word for it

You nancy fancier

[Cap'n Grumpy]

Don't take MY word for it.

I'm taking THEIR word for it!

You could be right that it's not allowed, but that's not to say it doesn't happen.