What is the captain's role, and can players argue with the referee?

Q: What is the captain's role, and can players argue with the referee?

The World Rugby Laws of the Game 2026 define the captain as the player nominated by the team to: lead the team consult the referee select options relating to referee decisions, such as the choice of sanction Under Law 9.28, every player must respect the referee's authority: no disputing decisions, and stop playing immediately when the whistle blows. Sanction: penalty. Under Law 9.12, a player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. The laws' Charter also says it is the responsibility of coaches, captains and players to respect the authority of the match officials.

Question

Accepted Answer

The World Rugby Laws of the Game 2026 define the captain as the player nominated by the team to:

lead the team
consult the referee
select options relating to referee decisions, such as the choice of sanction

Under Law 9.28, every player must respect the referee's authority: no disputing decisions, and stop playing immediately when the whistle blows. Sanction: penalty. Under Law 9.12, a player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone.

The laws' Charter also says it is the responsibility of coaches, captains and players to respect the authority of the match officials.