Ref forced to apologise to England and France seconds before Six Nations clash as commentator quips ‘not a good start’

ENGLAND’S last game of the Six Nations got off to an awkward start with the referee having to apologise after making a mistake.

Ahead of kick-off in Lyon, there was meant to be a ten-second countdown timer – which has been present at all Six Nations games this year.

RexGardner’s error led to the game kicking off early[/caption]

RexThomas Ramos kicked the game off too early, but ended up scoring the winning penalty[/caption]

But France, and ref Angus Gardner, were a little too eager to kick things off.

France full-back Thomas Ramos sent the ball high into the air before the countdown had begun – leaving the ref to order the teams back into position.

Gardner took full responsibility for the mistake and said: “Yeah, sorry.

“I said 10 seconds to go. Sorry guys, we’ve got to wait for the time. There’s a countdown timer. We’ve got to wait for the countdown timer and I’ve got to blow my whistle.

“Wait for the countdown time and we are good to go. Apologies.”

ITV commentator Nick Mullins was unimpressed with Gardner’s blunder and told the ref to “get on with it”.

He then joked:  “It’s alright, it’s not live, we can edit that bit out. It’s not a great start. Let’s just get on with it, Angus. Blow your whistle and kick off.”

The Aussie ref is one of the most experienced and trusted referees in rugby, and took charge of last year’s World Cup semi-final between France and Argentina.

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But he was at the centre of a controversial finish with his awarding of a penalty at the death which Ramos converted to hand France victory over England.

With Ireland having wrapped up the Six Nations title earlier in the day, England knew the best they could hope for was a second place finish.

They came agonisingly close but ultimately fell to a narrow 33-31 defeat in Lyon meaning they came third.