World Rugby said Monday it is investigating reports that England coaching staff made an illegal approach to match officials at half time in their devastating loss by Australia.
According to media reports two England coaches made the approach as the two teams left the field at Twickenham on Saturday with England trailing 17-3. Head coach Stuart Lancaster was not among them however.
“World Rugby is investigating an alleged breach by the England coaching team of the match-day communications protocol between match officials and team members or union officials,” said a World Rugby statement.
“The protocol prohibits certain conduct on match days including coaches approaching match officials during a match or at half-time during a match,” the statement added.
England, now in crisis after being dumped out of the World Cup, made no immediate comment.