What can I help the referee with on time, and can the referee overrule me?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under World Rugby Laws 2026 (Laws 5 and 6):

The referee keeps the time but may delegate the duty to either or both assistant referees and/or an official time-keeper, signalling any stoppage to them.
In matches without an official time-keeper, if the referee is in doubt about the correct time, the referee consults either or both assistant referees.
The referee may consult you about your duties, foul play and timekeeping, and may request help on other aspects of the referee's duties.
The referee has control over you, may tell you what your duties are and may overrule your decisions.
The referee may alter a decision after you have raised the flag for touch or touch-in-goal, or signalled foul play.
If the referee finds a touch judge unsatisfactory, the referee may ask for a replacement. If the referee believes a touch judge is guilty of misconduct, the referee may send the touch judge off and report to the match organiser.