RFU Statement: Tom Foley
Following 11 years as one of the Professional Game Match Officials Team, Tom Foley, has decided to leave his role at the Rugby Football Union to pursue new opportunities.
This follows his 2023 retirement from officiating at international level.
Tom began refereeing in 2010 in the National Leagues and has been involved in over 250 games in the Premiership, 135 as referee and 75 as Television Match Official (TMO); four of these were Premiership Finals. He also officiated at four Heineken Champions Cup Finals in 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
The RFU would like to thank Tom for everything he has done for England Rugby and wish him every success in the future.
His first experience at international level came in a November 2016 meet between Romania and Tonga, and he’s officiated in 48 Tests in total, 16 in the Six Nations and eight in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Commenting on retiring from refereeing in 2023, Tom said: "Having reached the pinnacle in officiating at the Rugby World Cup Final, now feels the right time to take a break from the international game. Over the course of 13 years, I have been fortunate to officiate alongside many dedicated professionals and be involved in some of the greatest games in international rugby.
"However, the pressure and scrutiny I came under after the Rugby World Cup final, along with a torrent of criticism and abuse online, has helped to reaffirm that this is the right decision for me at this point in my life. While it’s a privilege to be at the heart of some of the sport’s most iconic moments, the increasing levels of vitriol, when the demands and expectation are so high, have led me to this moment.
"Working as an international match official takes you away from home for extended periods, and I am looking forward to spending more time at home with my young children. I am very grateful to my family for their support during my career; without them none of it would have been possible."
At the same time, RFU CEO Bill Sweeney, added: "I would like to thank Tom for his outstanding contribution to international officiating. Tom has officiated in 48 games internationally and is considered one of the best Television Match Officials globally.
"The abuse he has suffered since the Rugby World Cup final, along with other officials involved in that game, is totally unacceptable and no one should be treated in this way, doing their job for the sport they are so committed to and passionate about.
"We will do everything possible to help guard against the abuse aimed at match officials and players and would urge everyone in our game to consider the role they can play in upholding rugby values."
