The International Rugby Board (IRB) removed Lawrence from its elite panel of referees for future test matches, according to EWN Sport.

Lawrence became a hugely unpopular figure in South Africa last year after refereeing the World Cup quarterfinal between the Springboks and Australia. The Wallabies won the match, helped by Lawrence's peculiar calls.

Bray confirmed the news by stating, "His time is over at [test] level." He also added that it "would be a huge ask" for Lawrence to return to the test fold.

Lawrence was not given any Six Nations matches to officiate this year after his poor performance in the Wold Cup - despite being named New Zealand's referee of the year.

Lawrence was also denied a chance to take charge of any matches in South Africa, with Sanzar fearing a public backlash in the rugby-mad country.

Lawrence has even been questioned in his home country this year. Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder lambasted Lawrence for his calls as the TMO during the Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes.

Blackadder criticised Lawrence after two botched calls - both of which led to Hurricanes tries and resulted in a win for the Wellington-based team.

"To me that was not a try. If there was a TMO like rugby league, they wouldn't have allowed it," Blackadder said.

"Even the second one [was dubious], when they had a guy in our defensive line as obstruction."