World Rugby investigate referee Jaco Peyper 'elbow' photo with Wales fans after Sebastien Vahaamahina red card

Referee Jaco Peyper poses with Welsh supporters
Fabien Heuze
Will Macpherson21 October 2019

World Rugby are seeking to “establish the facts” after Jaco Peyper, the referee who sent off France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina on Sunday, was pictured appearing to imitate the incident with Welsh fans.

Vahaamahina was red-carded for a shocking elbow to the jaw of flanker Aaron Wainwright that had a major bearing on France’s exit by a point.

He will face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday and can expect a ban.

On Monday morning a picture of Peyper appeared on social media, in which the South African is joining Welsh fans in pointing their elbows towards each others’ faces.

In Pictures | Wales vs France, Rugby World Cup | 20/10/2019

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The picture appears to have been taken in a playful spirit but has drawn criticism.

Serge Simon, the vice-president of the French Rugby Federation and former international prop, tweeted: “If the photo is true it is shocking and explanations will be required”.

A spokesperson for World Rugby said: “We are aware of a picture on social media of referee Jaco Peyper with a group of Wales supporters taken after last night’s quarter-final match between Wales and France in Oita.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further while we are establishing the facts.”

The world governing body will announce their refereeing roster for this weekend’s semi-finals on Tuesday.

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