What can my assistant referees do, and can I overrule them?

Under World Rugby Laws 2026 (Law 6):

• Every match has two assistant referees or two touch judges. Unless the match organiser has appointed them, each team provides a touch judge.
• They signal touch, touch in-goal and the success or otherwise of kicks at goal, and provide other assistance as you direct, including reporting foul play.
• You may consult them on their duties, on foul play and on timekeeping.
• You have control over them. You may tell them their duties and may overrule their decisions. You may change a decision after a flag has been raised for touch or touch-in-goal, or after foul play has been signalled.
• If a touch judge is unsatisfactory you may ask for a replacement. If you believe a touch judge is guilty of misconduct you may send them off and report to the match organiser.

Source: World Rugby Laws of the Game 2026, Law 6: https://passport.world.rugby/media/wnvjlxtb/2607en-world-rugby-laws-final-compressed.pdf