Rugby fans will get the chance to ask referees questions about decisions in matches and the laws of the game.

Tappe Henning, who is the United Rugby Championship Head of Match Officials, has announced the competition will permit external scrutiny, with referees to provide explanations following controversial moments.

Henning says there is work being done to develop a platform on the URC website, where rugby fans can get involved and question why a decision was made. It is hoped the new venture will be in place by the next round of URC fixtures.

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"We are working on a platform on our website where questions can be posted to referees and we hope to introduce that in round 11," he said. "The fans and media, anyone, can ask questions about decisions in the game. They can ask questions about the law, about the referee, and we will have a duty ref that will reply to those questions on a weekly basis.

"If possible and where applicable we also put footage on that page as it grows to illustrate and answer questions about laws. We're quite excited about that, for fans to directly engage with our match officials.

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"There is a need to sign off on the big moments and the talking points of a game. We are looking to facilitate that. I am keen to explore that with the BKT URC where we can clarify decisions of the referee and the process that he undertook, where we can hold our hands up and say what we got wrong or indeed also clarify that the referee was correct. I would like it if that could happen."

Henning also spoke about the current feedback system in place. "After a game, teams can send in clips about incidents and ask questions about clarity of decisions. We answer them back," he continued.

"We also have the opportunity for teams to engage with me before games in saying they are concerned about tendencies in the game, how do we deal with certain issues.

"The teams are good with that process. They provide us with the clips and ask their questions around decisions, and we reply to them.

"As it stands, there's not a chance (for officials) to go to the media directly after the game. We will get things wrong at times and we will put up our hands to our teams if we do, but we need to protect our referees from being exposed to unfair questions about decisions before they have been verified for accuracy.

"We understand the frustration that goes with that, but we address it as soon as we can."