WATCH: Referee fractures three ribs in Premiership fixture

WATCH: Referee fractures three ribs in Premiership fixture

Referee Tom Foley fractured three ribs after being caught in a collision between Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers players, it has been revealed.

Just before Christmas, Foley found himself a little too close to the action during the Gallagher Premiership clash and was knocked to the ground after being sandwiched between three players.

Foley - who recently announced he was stepping away from Test rugby after receiving vile abuse following the Rugby World Cup final - was bundled over by Tigers man Freddie Steward, with the England star smashing into him as he rampaged forward looking to break through Exeter's defence.

That wouldn't be all, however, as on his way down, Foley was squashed between two onrushing Chiefs defenders - namely Wales star Dafydd Jenkins and centre Ollie Devoto. Unsurprisingly, the official reacted in pain, with his anguished gasp captured on his mic and the live TV coverage of the game.

After blowing his whistle, he stayed down momentarily before being helped to his feet by players from both sides. With a big smile, he told those involved: "Let me know you're doing that next time, boys."


Clearly in agony, some expected Foley not to return after half time, which was just a couple of minutes after the incident, but he stoically ploughed on. And the feat appears even more courageous now, with The Telegraph reporting that scans after the game showed he had fracted three of his ribs.

Foley was understandably deemed unable to officiate last weekend, but did take up TMO duties for Harlequins' fixture with Newcastle Falcons last Friday. He will do the same for the Champions Cup meeting between Leinster and Stade Francais on Saturday.


He hopes to be available to referee again by the end of the month.

Watch the incident in the video below



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