Man prosecuted for abusing World Cup official

A man in Australia has been prosecuted for abusing TMO Brian MacNiece on social media during Enlgand’s match against Samoa in last year’s Rugby World Cup.

22-year-old Aaron Isaia pleaded guilty to using carriage service to menace or harass via online communication after abusing MacNeice and his family over Facebook.

World Rugby had tracked down the man and referred the case to the Australian authorities, and they have another five such cases currently ongoing.

In addition the governing body confirmed they intend to take steps to stop him from purchasing tickets to future events.

“World Rugby welcomes this landmark outcome,” chief executive Alan Gilpin said.

“The vile and toxic abuse is an all too common occurrence for many sports men and women and public figures, and we hope that this sends a very strong message to online trolls that such behaviour is totally unacceptable and that the sport and the authorities are prepared to take action.”

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