Two England coaching staff could find themselves in hot water after allegedly approaching match officials at halftime in the weekend's Rugby World Cup loss to Australia.
AAP has reported the pair spoke to match officials in the tunnel at Twickenham as the teams left the field for the halftime break.
England trailed the Wallabies 17-3 at that stage and went on to lose 33-13.
It is believed there is CCTV footage available of the position in the tunnel where the alleged incident took place and this may be used as part of any investigation.
Approaching match officials in such circumstances is strictly prohibited.
England coaching staff could be in trouble for reportedly approaching match officials during their side's World Cup loss to Australia. Photo: Photosport
The Wallabies coach Michael Cheika received a formal warning from Super Rugby governing body SANZAR earlier this year after an investigation into him approaching referee Jaco Peyper at halftime during his New South Wales Waratahs' win over the Blues in Sydney.
The SANZAR investigation found Cheika had a "short and polite exchange" with Peyper to clarify a scrum interpretation, but that there was no evidence the referee was influenced by the exchange in his handling of the match.
The robust discussion from the England coaches at halftime came after the England scrum had been heavily scrutinised by match officials, with Australia's dominance in this area proving pivotal in the Wallabies' victory.
With one match still to play, the loss consigned England to a pool-stage exit, making them the first World Cup hosts to miss out on the knock-out stages of competition.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster, who is not believed to be among those to confront the officials, is under enormous pressure to retain his role despite being under contract until 2020.
- AAP
