It was a bizarre turn of events in rugby union’s Championship as Ampthill’s clash with Hartpury was abandoned after referee Alex Thomas was struck by a powerful clearing kick during the first half.
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Thomas appeared to be knocked unconscious after being hit by a clearance from Hartpury fly-half Harry Bazalgette, with the visitors leading 14-0 at the time.
The referee received immediate treatment on the field and was stretchered off shortly after. A few minutes later, the match was officially called off, leaving fans stunned.
Alex Thomas: The Toughest Job in Rugby?
Ampthill released a statement addressing the situation:
“We appreciate that the decision is disappointing for supporters who have travelled to the game, but our priority is the health of the players and match officials. Our thoughts are with Alex for a swift recovery.”
Hartpury: Flying Start Cut Short
Before the dramatic turn of events, Hartpury had taken control of the game. Hooker Ethan Hunt crossed for the opening try, with Aristot Benz-Salomon adding a second just before the incident that ended the match after only 28 minutes.
Hartpury, sitting fifth in the table and two places above Ampthill, will now wait for news on how the fixture will be resolved.
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“Posh t***” – Owen Farrell only hated three or four rugby players
#1. Dave Attwood
Dave Attwood facts:
He made 157 appearances in Blue, Black and White over an eight-year period during his first spell at Bath before returning in 2022
His debut came against Newcastle Falcons at the beginning of the 2011/12 season after arriving from Gloucester, scoring four tries in his first campaign
The lock quickly established himself as a key player in the Bath pack and excelled at international level too, with 22 of his 24 England caps coming whilst at the Re
The former England international has also played for Bristol (twice), Gloucester and Toulon during his established career
#2. Ryan Wilson
The Scotland back-rower was the instigator in some tunnel argy-bargy when the players returned to the changing rooms after the warm-up back in 2018 with Farrell at the centre.
Footage of the incident shows all hell breaking loose when Farrell barged his way past a number of Scotland players to confront Wilson, who had been attempting to get inside the head of George Ford.
Wilson later revealed he was banned from Twickenham following the incident.
“I remember that game, I was actually injured and after tunnel-gate, after everything that happened in the tunnel against England, I’d lined up a corporate gig at Twickenham,” he recalled to Rugby Pass in November.
“Had it all lined up, a little bit of cash, all excited, only to get a message back saying the RFU have banned you from Twickenham Stadium after everything that happened the year before.
#3. James Haskell
The pair have what we can only describe as a love-hate relationship. As legendary as the ‘best mates’ videos were during the 2016 tour of Australia, Farrell certainly didn’t seem to be enjoying it.
#4. Faf de Klerk
Farrell and De Klerk ended up at arm’s length from each other in 2018 during their summer tour just before the 20-minute mark and the rest of the two sides quickly joined in.
The pair have since clashes on multiple occasions, including during the World Cup final a year later. Klerk is clearly someone who gets under the England skippers skin and their appears to be little love lost between the pair.
Speaking about the pair, Tom Curry said they are ‘very different characters’.
