World Rugby is examining the excessive use of the TMO and could effect changes as early as November to return power to the on-field referees.

The move follows a review into the TMO system announced last week by Sanzaar, which admitted to ‘some challenges’ during Super Rugby and the June Tests.

World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper said that the organisation believes TMOs are too heavily relied upon.

‘The feeling in the room is that we would like referees, themselves, to take a bit more control. That’s something that we are going to work through.

‘We think we have the ability to move quickly, and maybe have a different protocol ready to test in November, potentially.’

Gosper said World Rugby’s review had not necessarily stemmed from incidents in the southern hemisphere competitions.

‘It wasn’t these particular June Tests – although there were some particularly strong views coming out of the southern hemisphere in particular.

‘We evaluate everything in each window – protocols, judicial, injury –  and that’s part of the process.’

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