A referee says he has received death threats towards him and his young family since he was involved in the Rugby World Cup Final. Tom Foley was the television match official for the game between South Africa and New Zealand last month. World Rugby has recorded more than 2,000 direct threats against match officials in recent weeks.

World Rugby has come under fire from one of its leading referees for introducing the television match official “bunker” at such short notice before this year’s World Cup.

World Cup final TMO Tom Foley has revealed the extent of abuse aimed at him and his family since the Springboks victory over New Zealand.

Another referee says he has received death threats towards him and his young family since he was involved in the Rugby World Cup Final.