Referee Andrea Piardi was replaced in the Six Nations clash between England and Ireland after suffering a brutal injury at Twickenham – with his conversation captured on microphones as he said “my quad’s gone”
Referee Andrea Piardi was forced to withdraw as referee during the Six Nations encounter between England and Ireland following a brutal injury.
What exactly befell Piardi remained initially uncertain when he sat down on the pitch, though a conversation disclosing his injury was picked up by the microphones. He was overheard stating: “I heard it pop.”
Subsequently, whilst speaking to captains Maro Itoje and Caelan Doris, Piardi disclosed: “I’m out, my quad’s gone. Best of luck for the rest of the game. 29 minutes played.”
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While the substitutions were organised, the match was halted for several minutes with the visitors leading 15-0 at Twickenham.
With England reduced to 14 men following Freddie Steward’s yellow card, Ireland crossed for another try moments after the action resumed, reports the Mirror.
Jamison Gibson-Park and Robert Baloucoune had already touched down earlier in the fixture with Ireland controlling the early exchanges.
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That was even with a few missed conversions and penalties with England struggling significantly to get a foothold in the game.
England had more territory further forward as half-time approached and though a stubborn Irish defence held firm, they scored a try right on the interval through Fraser Dingwall with George Ford converting for an extra two points.
It has thus far been a disappointing Six Nations campaign for Steve Borthwick’s side with defeat in the Calcutta Cup against Scotland coming last weekend after a narrow win over Italy in their opener.