Referee JP Doyle certainly had his homework done ahead of Friday’s game with Georgia and Argentina in the World Cup.
The Irishman, who was taking charge of his first game in this year’s tournament, made a big impression on viewers and players with his display during the impressive win for the South Americans.
Doyle seemingly liked to get up close and personal with some of the players at the breakdown.
Surely JP Doyle is in at the side there. Someone give that man a yellow card. #RWC2015 Thanks @StopJammerTime pic.twitter.com/dUydWsBmDT
— Jonathan Beardmore (@RugbyPodcast) September 25, 2015
But it was his way of conversing with the players on both sides in various languages that seemed to grab most attention.
https://twitter.com/gallagherbren/status/647447193398456320
https://twitter.com/stasbutler/status/647447746727821313
https://twitter.com/TarranPepler/status/647447223777775616
JP Doyle is a cunning linguist. Much respect. Clearly a talented bloke #ARGvGEO #RWC2015
— Chris Duffy (@duffy_chrisR) September 25, 2015
It seems that not only can he speak Georgian, but he also spoke French to a number of the Argentina players on the field too.
We're getting a bilingual referee performance from JP Doyle tonight. Finding a common language – better than "shout louder" Owens. #ARGvGEO
— Owen McArdle (@McArdle_Owen) September 25, 2015
Didn't know JP Doyle could speak French! Well done fella. #ARGvGEO #RWC2015
— Bryan Ray (@raysrugby) September 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/nikhughes23/status/647443569930858496
Although his performance away from showing off his polyglot skills left many frustrated.
Alarming evidence of inconsistent refereeing at international level from #jpdoyle multiple offside infringements and no warning
— Chris Pickering (@drpickers) September 25, 2015
JP Doyle strikes again shocking yellow card #RWC2015 #ARGvGEO
— Charles Eve @charlie.eve5.bsky.social (@CharlieEve5) September 25, 2015
Fair to say JP Doyle shouldn't really be reffing at international level
— Dan (@dantweets258) September 25, 2015
