New Zealand Rugby
Bray: Lawrence won't ref anymore Tests
ESPN Staff
July 25, 2012
Kiwi referee Bryce Lawrence, France v England, Six Nations, Stade de France, Paris, France, March 20, 2010
Lawrence took charge of the World Cup quarter final © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Bryce Lawrence
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New Zealand official Bryce Lawrence's Test career is all but over, according to SANZAR head of referees Lyndon Bray.

Lawrence, who was the New Zealand Rugby Union's referee of a fourth time last year, was in charge of the controversial Rugby World Cup quarter final between South Africa and Australia. The Wallabies progressed to the semi finals but Lawrence was heavily criticised in South Africa for his performance.

While he has been in charge of Super Rugby matches this season, he has not travelled to South Africa allegedly after threats from fans. In March he was removed from the International Rugby Board elite panel of referees and Bray says he is unlikely of officiate Test matches again.

"From an IRB perspective he has not been selected in the test," Bray told Eyewitness News. "There's a decision that we as selectors in the IRB made back in March. His time is over at that level.

"At this stage he is clearly not on the team. His challenge would be, if it's possible, to find his way back again. And I think given the reality and what he's gone through and the situation he's in at the moment that would be a huge ask."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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