Wallabies and NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has been handed a formal warning by SANZAR for approaching a referee during a match.

Cheika copped the warning after Super Rugby governing body SANZAR investigated a complaint about him stemming from the NSW Waratahs’ win over the Blues at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

SANZAR found Waratahs coach Cheika approached match referee Jaco Peyper in front of the other match officials to seek clarification on a scrum interpretation during halftime.

It said a “short and polite exchange” took place in the referee’s change room and Peyper responded to Cheika’s request for clarification.

“No other issues were discussed,” SANZR said in a statement.

“Both Mr Cheika and Mr Peyper have subsequently acknowledged this exchange should not have taken place and apologised.

“There is no evidence that the referee was influenced by the exchange in his handling of the match, nor in the circumstances has there been a breach of the SANZAR Code of Conduct and no further action will be taken.”

Peyper also received a formal warning and SANZAR has written to all referees and coaches, reminding them that no discussions should take place between the match officials and coaches during a match.