World Rugby have leapt to the defence of referee Andrea Piardi and his officiating team and said that some of Australia head coach Joe Schmidt ’s criticism in the wake of the second Test was “disappointing”.

World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin has backed the match officials involved in last weekend's second test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions and said it was disappointing the governing body's commitment to player welfare had been questioned.

World Rugby has confirmed that Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt will not be sanctioned after his remarks over the officiating of the second Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions.