![ELI5: Why do the teams' kit have to be free of sponsors for the RWC, but the referees can be sponsored? : r/rugbyunion ELI5: Why do the teams' kit have to be free of sponsors for the RWC, but the referees can be sponsored? : r/rugbyunion](https://external-preview.redd.it/EYku8JlS8AW9O0kp5VaBl8IfcmlHh8chbTfKcPbq33A.jpg?auto=webp&s=cdc5dacb930e15fa62b693235d4073a6c7c2b804)
ELI5: Why do the teams' kit have to be free of sponsors for the RWC, but the referees can be sponsored? : r/rugbyunion
![Rugby World Cup referees criticised by World Rugby for opening performances in extraordinary statement | The Independent | The Independent Rugby World Cup referees criticised by World Rugby for opening performances in extraordinary statement | The Independent | The Independent](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2019/09/24/11/ben-o-keeffe.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp)
Rugby World Cup referees criticised by World Rugby for opening performances in extraordinary statement | The Independent | The Independent
![DETAIL REFEREES KIT DURING IRB RUGBY Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image | Shutterstock | Shutterstock Editorial DETAIL REFEREES KIT DURING IRB RUGBY Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image | Shutterstock | Shutterstock Editorial](https://editorial01.shutterstock.com/wm-preview-1500/5158199cm/cc5213cf/Shutterstock_5158199cm.jpg)
DETAIL REFEREES KIT DURING IRB RUGBY Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image | Shutterstock | Shutterstock Editorial
![Who is France vs Ireland referee Angus Gardner? Former World Rugby Referee of the Year in charge for Six Nations game Who is France vs Ireland referee Angus Gardner? Former World Rugby Referee of the Year in charge for Six Nations game](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NINTCHDBPICT000523910894.jpg)
Who is France vs Ireland referee Angus Gardner? Former World Rugby Referee of the Year in charge for Six Nations game
![Jerome Garces to referee World Cup final between England and South Africa | Rugby Union News | Sky Sports Jerome Garces to referee World Cup final between England and South Africa | Rugby Union News | Sky Sports](https://e0.365dm.com/19/10/2048x1152/skysports-jerome-garces_4819279.jpg)
Jerome Garces to referee World Cup final between England and South Africa | Rugby Union News | Sky Sports
![Rugby World Cup semi final referees revealed as Nigel Owens gets England game and Jaco Peyper stood down - Wales Online Rugby World Cup semi final referees revealed as Nigel Owens gets England game and Jaco Peyper stood down - Wales Online](https://i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article17123433.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200c/4_Japan-v-Russia-Rugby-World-Cup-2019-Group-A.jpg)