Sinead Peach: England women’s rugby star faces ban as video highlights male referee slur

Sinead Peach, one of the top players in women’s rugby, faces a disciplinary hearing on Thursday after allegedly making a vulgar comment to a referee in a Women’s Super League match

Top women’s rugby star Sinead Peach is facing a lengthy ban after video footage highlighted a shocking remark to a male referee. Video footage allegedly shows Peach directing a crude remark at official Oliver Salmon and has gone viral, bringing the game into disrepute.

The incident during the Women’s Super League clash between her York Valkyrie team and St Helens has sparked global headlines and left supporters bewildered. It came following a York penalty near their try line whilst trailing 16-8 in the 79th minute, skipper Peach received her marching orders for dissent after becoming incensed by the referee’s ruling.

Whilst her alleged words weren’t captured on the television coverage, the furious official’s response was clearly audible as he brandished the red card. Oliver Salmon can be heard declaring: «I’m not having you saying, ‘Which one are you s*******?’. You’re off.»

Warning: Bad language.

The incident left commentators speechless, viewers astounded and generated reactions as distant as New Zealand and Australia as the footage spread like wildfire across social media.

England international Peach, regarded as one of the sport’s elite performers, will now appear before a disciplinary panel on Thursday, officials have confirmed. There is little precedent for such a comment, meaning the length of any possible ban is hard to gauge. Peach has remained silent regarding the controversy.

Supporters expressed their disbelief on social media platforms. One remarked: «Crazy thing to say to a ref just begging for the sending off there.»

Another person chimed in: «Imagine a male player said this to a female referee! Lifetime ban, some ridiculous fine and publicly shamed! The outcry would be massive!».

The Rugby Football League has confirmed that Peach’s red card will be reviewed by the match panel on Thursday.

At 27, Peach has steered York to consecutive Grand Final victories in 2023 and 2024, and was crowned Woman of Steel in October 2023.