Rugby: World Cup final TMO Tom Foley continued refereeing after suffering three broken ribs in English Premiership clash

Tom Foley, the television match official (TMO) from the All Blacks' 12-11 Rugby World Cup final defeat to South Africa, continued refereeing in the English Premiership, despite suffering three rib fractures in an accidental collision.

Taking charge of the Premiership encounter between Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers in late December, 38-year-old Foley copped a hit from three sides.

As Tigers fullback Freddie Steward made a run, Foley was caught in between the ball carrier, as well as Chiefs pair Dafydd Jenkins and Ollie Devoto late in the first half.

"Let me know you're doing that next time, boys," he was captured saying by on-field microphones.

And after his own insistence that he didn't need to be replaced by an assistant referee, scans have since shown three broken bones in Foley's ribs.

Exeter went on to seal victory 29-10.

Foley has taken a step back from officiating at test level, after being subject to online abuse after the Rugby World Cup final.

That final saw Foley interject as TMO to show yellow cards to four players, including All Blacks captain Sam Cane, who was upgraded to a red card for a high tackle on centre Jessie Kriel.

As well as handing out cards, Foley also disallowed a try for the All Blacks in their final defeat.

In December, New Zealand Rugby chief executive came out in support of Foley, and condemned the abuse he received.

Tom Foley, the television match official (TMO) from the All Blacks' 12-11 Rugby World Cup final defeat to South Africa, continued refereeing in the English Premiership, despite suffering three rib fractures in an accidental collision.

Taking charge of the Premiership encounter between Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers in late December, 38-year-old Foley copped a hit from three sides.

As Tigers fullback Freddie Steward made a run, Foley was caught in between the ball carrier, as well as Chiefs pair Dafydd Jenkins and Ollie Devoto late in the first half.

"Let me know you're doing that next time, boys," he was captured saying by on-field microphones.

And after his own insistence that he didn't need to be replaced by an assistant referee, scans have since shown three broken bones in Foley's ribs.

Exeter went on to seal victory 29-10.

Foley has taken a step back from officiating at test level, after being subject to online abuse after the Rugby World Cup final.

That final saw Foley interject as TMO to show yellow cards to four players, including All Blacks captain Sam Cane, who was upgraded to a red card for a high tackle on centre Jessie Kriel.

As well as handing out cards, Foley also disallowed a try for the All Blacks in their final defeat.

In December, New Zealand Rugby chief executive came out in support of Foley, and condemned the abuse he received.

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