WE'LL GET TOUGH ON TROLLS

Rugby chiefs to launch prosecutions against social media's vile abusers

- ALEX SPINK

WORLD RUGBY is ready to answer Wayne Barnes' call for urgent action on social media abuse by launching prosecutions against trolls in FIVE different countries.

Englishman Barnes (left) was subjected to "vile" death threats after refereeing the World Cup final.

Previously, his family had been targeted, his wife receiving threats of sexual violence.

Barnes quit soon after, followed this week by Tom Foley, the television match official in that final, who said he was turning his back on the international game due to a "torrent of criticism and abuse".

England captain Owen Farrell (circled, left) has also stepped down from the Test arena for an indeterminate period due to similar treatment.