Rugby referee Andrea Piardi takes iPhone calls during Wallabies‑Springboks match

During the international rugby test between the Australian Wallabies and the South African Springboks, the match officials included referee Andrea Piardi. The game proceeded under the usual regulations governing test matches, with Piardi appointed to enforce the laws of the game.

In the course of the match, Piardi was observed taking calls on an iPhone. The calls occurred at several points, creating a visual that was noted by spectators and commentators alike. The incident was described as unusual for a rugby referee, given the expectation that officials remain fully focused on the on‑field action.

The occurrence attracted attention from media outlets covering the match, which highlighted the referee’s use of a personal mobile device during play. Both reports characterized the scenes as bizarre, emphasizing the rarity of such behavior in a professional rugby setting.

The incident has been documented in multiple news reports, confirming that the referee’s iPhone calls took place during the Wallabies versus Springboks encounter. No further details regarding the content of the calls or any subsequent disciplinary action have been provided.