Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) Chief Executive Officer John Heynes says the disputed refereeing decision during the Ongos Sevens semi-final between Kudus and South African side Wits Barbarians will be addressed through appropriate official procedures.

Speaking on Absolute Rugby, Heynes defended the process followed by the match officials while calling for greater support and structured development for referees across Namibia.

The incident sparked controversy over the weekend after a disputed officiating call during the semi-final fixture raised questions around match officiating and discipline, leading to heightened tensions, a reported confrontation involving members of both teams, and discussions around a potential walk-off.

Addressing the play, Heynes explained that the incident was not treated as a routine knock-on due to the continuous nature of the play. He noted that the referee followed standard protocol by consulting the assistant referee to gain clarity on a suspected infringement, which ultimately led to a disallowed try and a penalty awarded before play resumed.

The discussion also turned to the broader standard of refereeing in Namibia during high-pressure knockout matches. Absolute Rugby co-host Menethe Nawes noted that while controversial decisions frequently draw scrutiny during semi-finals and finals, officiating challenges occur at every level of the sport, including international Rugby World Cup matches.

Heynes highlighted the significant challenges local match officials face, stating that referees often operate under difficult conditions for minimal financial compensation. He urged local rugby clubs to actively contribute to the officiating pool by nominating and training potential future referees to support the system.

In an official statement, the NRU confirmed that the matter will be reviewed through official channels to ensure fairness, accountability, and due process for all parties involved. Looking ahead, the union is finalizing referee development programs for the 2027 season to strengthen officiating standards and build a sustainable support structure for local match officials.