The RFU Championship rugby union match between Ampthill and Hartpury was abandoned on Saturday after a dramatic and unfortunate incident in the 28th minute. Referee Alex Thomas, who has officiated at both the men’s and women’s Premiership levels, was struck by the ball during a clearance kick from Hartpury’s Harry Bazalgette. The kick, which came in the midst of an attacking move, hit Thomas directly, causing him to collapse to the ground.
The impact was severe enough that Thomas required immediate medical attention on the field. He was treated by medical staff before being stretchered off the pitch, an event that drew supportive applause from the crowd. With the referee unable to continue, the game was called off shortly after the incident. The abandonment came at a time when Hartpury was leading Ampthill 14-0, having scored two tries through Ethan Hunt and Aristot Benz-Salomon, with Benz-Salomon’s try coming just moments before the unfortunate collision.
The decision to call off the match was met with disappointment from fans, particularly those who had traveled to Bedfordshire to witness the game. However, Ampthill Rugby Club was quick to express their priority in ensuring the health and safety of both players and match officials. In a statement, the club said: “Our thoughts are with Alex for a swift recovery. We appreciate that the decision is disappointing for supporters who have traveled to the game, but our priority is the health of the players and match officials.”
Despite the setback, Ampthill confirmed that the match would be rearranged in due course, and all original tickets for the game would remain valid for the rescheduled fixture. The RFU Championship governing body has yet to issue an official statement on the abandonment, but the focus remains on Thomas’s well-being and recovery.
The match, which was an important fixture for both teams in the Championship standings, had seen Hartpury lead by two tries. The Gloucestershire side, currently sitting fifth in the league, had been in control of the game up until the disruption. Ampthill, in contrast, sat in eighth place in the table, and the match represented an opportunity for them to gain ground in the competition.
This incident is not the first time a rugby match has been interrupted due to injury to officials, though it is relatively rare. Referees play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of the game, and their safety is paramount. The disruption highlights the unpredictable nature of sport, where even a seemingly routine moment, such as a clearance kick, can lead to unforeseen consequences.
In the wake of the abandonment, Ampthill’s focus has shifted entirely to the recovery of the referee. The club’s statement emphasized their support for Thomas and his recovery, acknowledging that while the abandonment was frustrating for those in attendance, the priority must always be the health of those involved in the game.
Elsewhere in the Championship, there were significant results that reshaped the league standings. Ealing Trailfinders surged to the top of the table after an emphatic 95-7 victory over Cambridge. The result marked a dominant performance from Ealing, who continue to impress with their attacking prowess. In contrast, former leaders Coventry suffered a heavy defeat, losing 46-14 to Cornish Pirates, a result that allowed Ealing to overtake them at the summit. In another match, Doncaster secured a comfortable 22-0 victory over bottom-placed Caldy, further cementing their position in the mid-table.
The abandonment of the Ampthill-Hartpury match is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of rugby, where a single incident can have a significant impact on the outcome. As the Championship season progresses, the focus will remain on the recovery of Alex Thomas and the rescheduling of the match, while fans and players alike will hope for a swift return to action.
