It would be fair to say that Craig Joubert might not want to visit Scotland any time soon, the wounds still raw from his controversial call that cost the Scots a place in the World Cup semi-final.

Not that he had much support from the sport’s governing body, World Rugby throwing him under the bus in the days that followed that encounter.

Joubert was slammed for sprinting off the ground following the final whistle, not hanging around to shake the players’ or coach’s hands. Now, after a prolonged silence, he is explaining his actions to TimesLive:

“In my head was a desire to avoid any possible unseemly confrontation that would mar what had been a wonderful occasion‚” he said.

“I had it in my mind somewhere that there had been an incident between the official and the England coaches [Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree‚ for which they were later fined] in their match against Australia and I just didn’t want any of that to happen‚ not because I don’t understand the emotions of the moment for players and coaches‚ their desire for answers to questions‚ but just because I did not want that to become another possible incident.

“That was my thinking‚ not for myself but for the situation.”

And Joubert admitted that the original penalty decision was wrong. “In hindsight‚ would I have reconsidered that decision?” he said. “Absolutely.”

It seems that some have moved on from the controversy though, proving rugby really is the gentleman’s game:

Joubert [said] that he met Scotland head coach Vern Cotter and captain Greig Laidlaw in Dublin before Ireland v Scotland Six Nations game in March.

“I had a coffee with Vern before the game and a beer with Greig afterwards‚” said Joubert.

“They were very natural and typical interactions which I enjoyed.”

Still, I don’t imagine the Scottish rugby-loving public will be as forgiving. Ask any South African if they would buy Bryce Lawrence a drink and chances are they’ll give you the stink eye.

[source:timeslive]

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