Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rugby Union
STEVE BALE
Ed Morrison, England's senior referee, has struck a despairing blow for rugby union's fading Corinthianism by turning down the pounds 400 fee to which he is entitled for handling Saturday's France v Ireland match at Parc des Princes, his 15th international.
Morrison, a 44-year-old former aerospace worker from Bristol who has been unemployed for 13 months, has politely told the Rugby Football Union, which is responsible for the payment, it can keep its money. Following the acceptance of professionalism in rugby, the Five Nations' committee agreed to a scale of fees for match officials in the Championship.
"I have no qualms whatsoever about players being paid - they deserve every penny they get - but as far as my own lot is concerned, I'm not comfortable with it and would prefer not to take anything," Morrison said yesterday. "The game is about playing. People come to see players playing; they don't pay to see referees refereeing, even though some silly fool has to do it."
As he was the referee of last year's World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, Morrison could even be said to be the leading referee in the world. But he remains one of the old school who regards rugby as an unpaid, low-key pastime. "I don't believe we should have too high a profile, certainly not compared with the players," he said. "It's not our game; it's theirs."
That said, there has been private disquiet among referees that the pounds 400 fee is derisory when compared with the thousands now available to professional internationals.
"If the fee were set at thousands I'd have to scratch my head and no doubt my views would change, but I'd rather have a good time rather than worry about money," Morrison said. "I do it because it's my hobby and I'll be quite content to go to Paris and have a wonderful weekend."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments