England Coaches To Be Investigated By World Rugby For Rules Breach

World Rugby is investigating England’s coaching staff for a breach of rules during Saturday’s defeat to Australia.

It is understood the pair spoke to match officials in the tunnel at Twickenham as the teams left the field for the half-time break, with England trailing 17-3 in a match they would go on to lose 33-13, ensuring an early exit from the World Cup.

Rugby’s governing body say they are looking into an “alleged breach of the match-day communications protocol between match officials and team members or union officials during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool A match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 3 October”.

The statement added: “The protocol prohibits certain conduct on match days including coaches approaching match officials during a match or at halftime during a match.”

It is believed there is CCTV footage available of the position in the tunnel where the alleged incident took place and this may be used as part of any investigation. Approaching match officials in such circumstances is strictly outlawed.