URC's head of referees praises new TMO structure

The new Television Match Official (TMO) structure, implemented as a trial law in this season's United Rugby Championship (URC), has received the backing of the tournament's head of match officials.

- Nicholas Zaal

The system, called the Independent TMO, places an official and a technical operator in a booth with access to all broadcast camera angles on their computer screens. They can rewind footage as far back as needed at any time while play continues.

This contrasts with the old structure, still used in the Premiership and Top 14, where a single official monitored two screens — one live and one on a short delay - and had to rely on the broadcaster to rewind and play back footage for referrals.

Tappe Henning, the URC’s head of match officials, said the new process speeds up reviews and improves accuracy.