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2w ago

French Broadcaster and EPCR Defend TMO Process After Bath Complaint

Officials say the video referee can see every camera angle through a standard two-screen setup used across the competition.

BORDEAUX, FRANCE - MAY 03: Alfie Barbeary of Bath is tackled by Adam Coleman during the Investec Champions Cup semi final match between Union Bordeaux Begles and Bath Rugby at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole on May 03, 2026 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
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Bath No.8 Alfie Barbeary (L) is tackled by Bordeaux-Begles scrum-half Maxime Lucu
Johann van Graan puts TMO process under spotlight after Champions Cup exit

Overview

  • Bath director Johann van Graan questioned the replay process after Sunday's 38-26 semi-final defeat in Bordeaux, citing three missed head contacts on Alfie Barbeary.
  • France Télévisions rugby editor Cédric Beaudou told AFP the video referee selects the angles and that broadcasters cannot hide footage.
  • European Professional Club Rugby said TMO checks run on two screens, one live and one on a short delay, with the same system in every Champions Cup game.
  • Alfie Barbeary later shared an image of a clash with Maxime Lucu and captioned it “French kissing.”
  • Bordeaux advanced to a May 23 final against Leinster in Bilbao, which keeps the spotlight on transparency in reviews rather than any change to the result.