The Play On Pod keep it sharp, fun, and match official focused (as usual).

They cover it all with Brett- from life in the top job to the future of refereeing, TMO consistency, and law changes shaping the game.

There’s chat around the rise of match officials as personalities (Hollie Davidson), the growth of the women’s game, and what’s next after the success of recent World Cups.

Also tackling the messy rugby calendar, innovations across comps, and what the game could look like heading into RWC 2029 in Australia.

Big ideas, real insights, and a curveball question that involves a magic lamp ?!

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Over in Super Rugby, there’s plenty to unpack:

• A controversial referee collision in Highlanders vs Hurricanes- accidental or avoidable?
• Positioning, game awareness, and how referees can (and should) adjust
• A bizarre conversion decision that raised eyebrows
• Scrum and maul moments in the Brumbies clash that highlight ongoing technical challenges in the set piece

We dive into a niche Law of the Week- 15:1 moment from Leicester v Exeter, Can a ruck exist over the goal line?

Stat Central returns with numbers that tell their own story, while Trends & Talking Points explores how evolving attacking shapes are influencing off-the-ball incidents—and how players are increasingly trying to work referees through assistant refs.

Captain Chat of the week is from Jordan Way

Appointments news, including Wallaroos v Fiji

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This week Candace, Rob and Pearcey dive into a massive mix of rugby action, officiating moments, and global headlines shaping the game.

We kick things off with Mudgee 10s and ongoing trials, plus a light-hearted but very important debate- what’s the best food at the footy? 

In global rugby news, the buzz around the Rugby World Cup continues with 750,000 tickets already sold, while innovations like the MLR referee review system spark discussion- including captain’s challenges and how they could impact decision-making.

In the rugby news they unpack some of the game’s tougher conversations:

• Oscar Jégou’s ban following foul play
• A doping scandal in Georgian rugby

Six Nations breakdown:

• France vs England controversy- high tackles, mark confusion, and game management frustrations
• Ireland vs Scotland- Luke Pearce’s communication masterclass under pressure
• Wales vs Italy- a dominant Welsh win, smart officiating, and key tactical decisions

New segment called Stat Central highlights insane form from rising stars, including try-scoring records being smashed.

Super Rugby & SVNS:

• Key TMO and grounding debates
• Big calls in Moana vs Blues
• High-intensity Sevens finals

Golden Whistle: celebrating Aimee Barrett-Theron as Referee of the Year.

Law of the Week: 18.2 : Touch, quick throws and lineout

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Candace shares her eventful weekend at Ella 7s handing out three red cards, while the team chats colts trials and the Mod Squad developments.

With International Women’s Day just passed, the pod also highlights the incredible women shaping rugby from volunteers and board members to coaches and match officials.

Around the world of rugby, the Six Nations trophy catching fire, and new player welfare measures regulating contact training in Premiership Rugby.

The crew dive into the Six Nations action, including prop magic in Ireland v Wales, Angus Gardner’s management in Scotland v France, yellow cards under pressure and captain communication.

In Super Rugby, they unpack the player challenges in Waratahs v Hurricanes, lightning delays in Brumbies v Reds, and why match officials were right to celebrate the final decision.

Plus:

• SVNS standouts including Archie Saunders scoring on debut
• Golden Whistle- Angus Gardner
• Referee appointments
• Law of the Week – Law 12.9 - Kick off and restart kicks
• Captain Chat from the Scotland v France match

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They unpack the latest in match official news and global rugby talking points.

World Rugby’s Shape of the Game update- what it means, what’s changing (and what’s not)

The new Blue Card protocol

Speed: “Use It” at the ruck, and the role of Game Management Guidelines (GMGs).

Plus: Six Nations appointments, captain chats done right, long advantages, scrum control, tip tackles, and why interactions matter more than ever.

Including standout moments from Ben O'Keeffe in the mud, James Doleman earning our Golden Whistle, and sharp management calls across the round.

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After some rugby news and highlighting some funny referee moments from the week.

The 6 Nations takes priority as the main segment with Andre getting injured and Pierre stepping in the pitch, it’s so impressive on how elite referees keep so calm and cool under pressure.

Rugby Trends:

1. Letting it breathe at the ruck
2. Hustling maul
3. 6 Nations still with unnecessary stoppage

Golden Whistle: Mathew Carley- 50th Test Cap

Appointments: Super Rugby Pacific + Local appointments

Law of the week: Law 9: 9.7/ 9.11/ 9.17

Further reading on jumping into a tackle: https://89rugby.substack.com/p/to-dive-or-not-to-dive-and-what-can?r=1gyg8t&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web

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Rugby News:

1. Whats up with the new Super Rugby Referee kit ?
2. World Rugby Women’s in Rugby Career Program 2026
3. Heat Policy - used in Force vs Moana match

Trends:

1. Jumping into tries
2. HOLLIE HOLLIE HOLLIE
3. Scrum penalties
4. Forward passes
5. Referee down- Jordie’s pancake moment
6. Recognize and Remove- well done- Paul Williams

Golden Whistle: Hollie Davidson & Paul Williams

Appointments: 6Nations, Women’s 6Nations, Pacific 4, Wallaroos International and Local appointments

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Perth 7s:

-French player- very dangerous tackle

-AJ speedy boots

-ARs involved during tournament

Rugby News:

-Bundee Aki backchat

-Anzac Day test for womens rugby

-World Rugby Rankings

6 Nations:

-Rob keeps score on the pods predictions

-AR running inside touches the ball.

-Italy v Scotland- RAIN

-Player in the way of 9 channel

-Appointments

Golden Whistle: Kat Roche

Law of the week: Match Official- 6:10 & Scrum 19:1

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They reflect on Singapore 7s and penalty tries in 7s matches.

Perth 7s and 6 Nations on this weekend. Rob gives low down of appointments.

The main segment focuses on the Super Rugby Law Innovations. With Candace and Pearcey voting green, amber and red for their favourites.

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They chat about the below:

1. Sara Cox - retirement
2. Tarsh Ganley - refereeing the PWR
3. Grow the Rose Development
4. Macron - kit for referees

Rugby Trends- the ruck/ box kick - reviewing offside line getting closer and positioning

Ending the pod with a UK prem video review that links with the law of the week: 18:2 d

Golden Whistle: Natarsha Ganley

Captain Chat: Andrea Piardi

Listen more about Natarsha Ganley move to the UK on the Advantage over podcast: https://rugbyreferee.net/2025/12/04/podcast-tarsh-ganley-on-her-rwc-experiences-and-how-shes-heading-to-the-pwr/

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Rugby news:

1. 2026 Law Book is out !
2. 6 Nations Appointments and debuts
3. Rugby World Cup Draw - inside scoop from Rob
4. HSBC 7s - in Cape Town
5. Lower tackle height trial - U20 Championship
6. Whistles & Whiteboards

UK Prem:

1. Sliding off feed for a tackle
2. 2nd rowers punch-up
3. Head on head- 20 min red card - Christophe remorse

Golden Whistle: Maggie Cogger-Orr

Law of the week: 20:15- Penalty and free-kick

Discussing further 20:17

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We discuss from the definition of a Maul—Law 16.

1. Game context
2. All important Line-out to maul
3. Maul set up- what is the legal formation
4. Maul contest and the arriving players and it moving or not!

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Topics covered:

1. Rugby culture and that with refereeing
2. Set piece in UK vs Australia- from game it self and how its refereed
3. Referee abuse
4. Tackle height law
5. Questions and review from the Rugby World Cup- Women’s
6. Growth of referees from after the World Cup ?
7. Quick fire questions

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Hannah Everitt achievement's:

1. London Society of Referees’ first female regional manager in 2019
2. London Society first female President in 2027

The focus on this pod is on how Hannah got into refereeing and becoming president.

Structure of the society and how it looks like for the levels, appointments and being a regional manager during a pandemic.

Touching on new referees and junior referees. Also match offical abuse and clubs that have referees tend to be better clubs.

Stay tuned for next week for Part 2 when we speak to Hannah more.

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The past weekend of rugby had it all- from eye gouging to referees being tackled we reviewed the 15s and 7s matches.

Main Segments:

1. Dubai 7s- poor AJ Jacob’s
2. Referee coaching/ MODing in real time
3. Wales Vs South Africa- eye gouge + referee Luc Ramos
4. Ronan O’Gara - red card links with our law of the week …

Rugby news:

1. Wayne Barnes returns to refereeing ?
2. RWC draw (get excited)
3. Gilbert - “Smart Ball”

Law of the week: Match Official- 6.30

Golden Whistle: George Selwood

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Dubai 7s starts, awards for the NSW Champions of Sports and new Gilbert ball.

Main segment:

1. England v Argentina - late tackle
2. Luke Pearce - speaking french
3. Show match- Ireland vs South Africa
4. Hollie - Wales vs New Zealand

Golden Whistle: Hollie Davidson

https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

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Discussing Eddie’s press conference to the National Championship. The rugby news never stops.

Main segment:

1. Italy vs South Africa - referee being sucked in
2. Wales vs Japan - cards = no impact
3. England vs New Zealand - TMO sweeping
4. Karl Dickson refereed Ireland vs Australia

Ending with Appointments :)

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So much Rugby Mach Official News:

1. Men’s World Rankings
2. Beyond the Whistle- RFL
3. NSW Champions of Sports Awards — Ella Goldsmith
4. Holly Wood talking about balancing refereeing and motherhood

Main segment: Autumn Internationals

1. Stripping - in the Italy vs Australia match
2. Gus had busy day with France vs South Africa With Red and Yellow cards given.
3. All Blacks 1st try vs the Scots

Appointments for those Autumn Internationals

Captain Chat: Angus Gardner : from the France vs New Zealand match

Law of the week: Ruck (15.2)/ Tackle (14.11)

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While Beauden Barrett steps out, Candace Barritt steps into the wrong park.

The focus this week is on England vs Australia & Ireland vs All Blacks rugby matches.

1. Fight breakout during Eng vs AU
2. Red card- for Ireland
3. Beauden Barritt- did he call mark ?
4. Pierre Brousset- off the mark call

Law of the week: Touch Law: 18.2 d.— Ben O’Keeffe explaining a video from a Bay Of Plenty Wellington game.

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Highlighting some fun rugby news: R360 and referees responses, Sarah Cox on the Rugby Rodeo podcast, Orange card and Test appointments.

Main segment:

1. Offside matrix
2. When is the ball out?
3. Christophe TMO call in the Saints match
4. Japan vs Australia - more rugby

Law of the week: Offside and onside in open play: 10.1 d.

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Starting off with some rugby news with awards season and appointments.

Notable appointments and covering off the hot house for match officials in Dubai for the World Cup Qualification Tournament.

Main segment:

1. Managing the scrum feed- The French
2. Match Official positioning with faster rucks
3. Picking up a ball at ruck vs at a tackle

Golden Whistle: Karl Dickson

Law Of The Week: 19:15 f - Scrum

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Candace, Rob and Pearcey discuss in short time frame what you should cover before your match.

1. Lead up to match — how referee and MOD get in contact 
2. What do you go through them ? 
3. On the day — with MOD before match 
4. Comms gear or if we have it 
5. Know yourself and the match official 
6. What you do if you don’t like the feedback?

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Rugby News:

1. World Rugby Board agrees on new player load guidelines
2. Rugby360
3. British and Irish Lions- Women’s

Segments:

1. Bledisloe Cup
2. South Africa vs Argentina
3. Referee moments
4. Spirit of the game reading

Listener question: seatbelt tackles - how do referees mange this within the high tackle framework ?

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Rugby news: Referee + Coach + Player of the year awards

Main segments:

1. Review of the Finals + Bronze level match
2. South Africa vs Argentina match
3. Bledisloe
4. English Prem- highlights

Golden Whistle: Hollie Davison

Law of the week: Kick-off and restart kicks, 12.12b

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Rugby news:

1. Bledisloe Cup
2. World Rugby - players of the year
3. WXV Global series change
4. ACT- assault

Main topic:

1. Semi finals review: England vs France & New Zealand vs Canada
2. Stats from the tournament
3. Match Official Appointments for Finals & Bronze match

Law of the week: Line-out Law- joining from the receiver (but no exchange)

Captain chat: Maggie Cogger-Orr : to the front row

Homework: Corner posts being deliberately taken out

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Topics: 

1) Abby Dow crochet whistle 

2) Bledisloe 

3) KENTA 

4) World Cup stats 

Appointments for the Semi Finals

Rugby World Cup: 

1) South Africa maul 

2)French player biting - sanction 

Main segment: 

Wallabies v Argentina 

1) Captain management

2) Storming ref room 

3) Free kick - charge down 

4) Calling a mark 

Law of the week:

Quick line out- 18:4 & knock on- 11:4

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Candace and Pearcey- reflecting on Central West Grand Final

Rugby News- Australia debt paid off, leading clinics in USA, guest panel events and more World Cup Qualifier matches.

Rugby World Cup:

1. Spain trick play
2. Fiji wins and ends the game strangely
3. Stats of the games vs previous World Cup
4. Who’s into the Quarters ?

Big Games:

1. Wallabies vs Argentina: FK to PK at the scrum
2. Springboks vs New Zealand: stealing the ball / holding on

Golden Whistle:

Sara Cox & Maggie Cogger- Orr

Law of the week: clarifying of playing kicking off the tee, and when other players can approaching

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The three review their own matches and reflect on some finals competitions in Sydney & Country.

Rugby news:

1. Campaign Red Roses- For the Girls (rfu_refs - on Instagram for more details)
2. French Top 14 - using the orange card ?

Rugby World Cup- Week 2:

1. Fiji - many cards and busy TMO
2. Wallaroos vs USA
3. South Africa vs Italy
4. Qualifiers

Candace highlights findings from the Rugby World Cup press conference.

Law of the week: (clarified) In-Goal- Law 21.17 - with simultaneous grounding. Community vs International

Law you wish you could bring back?

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Rugby news: exploring World Rugby rankings, International Rugby Match Officials (IRMO) new General Manager and Nic White gets presented referee jersey.

Main Segment: World Cup

1. Opening match: England V USA
2. France v Italy: simultaneous grounding
3. Match official composure

Law of the week: In-Goal- 21.4 + 21.5 + 21.17

Have read on Keith Lewis- World Rugby Law Coordinator article on- Open Play Pod Lift

https://rugbyreferee.net/2025/07/28/refereeing-the-open-play-pod-lift/?fbclid=IwY2xjawL02m1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHumA1x-CU2SLdVSWBA14l-9bx1xp-k7Yx0AO6dKpoHrNZLZtepKRxQM4OiCb_aem_cOCKrqIAQanGKigOfkGixw

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Firstly wanted to thank our host Pearcey for sharing his story regarding an incident that happened after refereeing what was a great game of rugby.

Main segment:

1. Referee review of Wallabies match
2. Women’s World Cup excitement
3. Rugby World Cup - bunker and FPRO
4. Flashing mouth guards

Law of the week: Ruck - 15.16

Listen to our guest pods to know more about the World Cup from a match official point of view: Ella Goldsmith, Maggie Cogger-Orr and Rachel Horton

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The Play On hosts ask:

-How did you get into refereeing ?

-Tell us more about your role for Rugby Australia ?

-Tell us about the processes leading up to RWC 2025.

-How has your fitness changed from preparing for a World Cup?

Plus more ….

The interview finishes with the Play On ‘rapid fire’ questions.

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The main highlight is our host - Nathan Pearce - refereeing the 2nd half of the Classic Wallabies vs Classic Lions match.

Main segment:

1. Nika control of players and Lions match
2. Lighting - strikes twice
3. Sheehan suspension
4. Hip drop tackles

Captain chat: overheard from a Central West Referee

White boots vs black boots for referees ?

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Rugby news and update on some homework on whether the ball mid air from passing from ruck is covered by law. (Thanks Rassie)

Main segment: Lions Tests

-ruck breakdown

-not releasing the ball after a tackle

-entering players clearing out at a ruck

-Wayne Barnes articles of the Lions test

Law of the week: Tackle- 14:15 a

Law Clarification: off side during a quick throw in (Merci to the French for asking World Rugby)

Ending with red card reporting !

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Maggie answers the Play On Pod’s rapid (not so rapid) quick fire questions

What is your favourite law to best reffing story. Maggie tells us about her personal refereeing mantra or motto.

This and much more with the lead up to Womens World Cup.

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The three discuss the below topics:

-How did you get into refereeing ?

-Tell us about your international debut at the Women’s 6Nations?

-Tell us more New Zealand Rugby Women’s Referee Development Manger?

-How does your game prep change from 7s to 15s?

-What was it like receiving the news about being selected for the World Cup?

This and much more :)

Stay tuned for Part 2

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The all important World Rugby Rankings— where is each country now before the seeding of the RWC2027

Highlight some past appointments for the Women’s game + review important Wallaroos warm-up matches

Main segment: Italy vs South Africa

-Review of the kick-off from the match

Law of the week: Kick-off and restart kicks 12:15 & 12:16

-Maul set up off a ruck

-Head butt - resulting in red card

Homework: Most capped Waratahs player both male and female, have the same surname + same position, who are they ?

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Chris is New Zealand Rugby’s High Performance Referee Manager. Previously he had a career refereeing both in Super Rugby and International matches.

The Play On team chat through the below topics:

-Memories of his role as the match official for the last Lions tour of Australia

-Discussing his role as the High Performance Referee Manager for New Zealand

-What changes he would make to the rugby law book

-Refereeing Super Rugby vs International matches

-Performance triangle - in relation to assistant referees

And much more …

The interview finishes with the Play On ‘Rapid Fire’ questions. Which includes Chis Pollock’s best refereeing stories and his personal refereeing mantra or motto.

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The three reflect on their rugby matches from the past weekend. With Pearcey sharing about some kangaroos invading his match !

They discuss the Wallabies vs Fiji match and review the high impact decisions from both MO and TMO. Linked with the physics around a forward passes.

World Rugby new heat guidelines are released.

Plus, how many kilometres do referees cover in a 15s match at test to community level?

They finish with a teaser on who is the next guest coming on the pod. Take a guess.

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The Lions have landed, and roared. What did we see?

World Rugby’s first Law Clarification of 2025, and naturally enough, a Law of the week.

A half century since a very special rugby moment, and a local homage to that moment, intended or otherwise.

So many matches, so many match official appointments- a quick look at who is where and when.

A smart initiate from New Zealand rugby referees and their community.

Choosing captains.

And the occasional yarn.

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As Candace takes a well-earned break, the boys reflect on another massive weekend of rugby around the globe.

How the Super Rugby Final played out, the Lions' stuttering start, and Hollie Davidson does it yet again.

The boys reflect on some huge milestones in the middle, and one off the park too.

Changes in disciplinary procedures at World Rugby, and horny moose on a rugby field.

All this, and much more.

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Super Rugby Final appointment + Super Rugby Semi Final review. Overall stats provided by Rob.

Review of some high impact decisions for the Gallagher Premiership Final— congrats to Karl Dickson on facilitating Bath v Leicester Tigers match

Captain Chat: Nikki O’Donnell - controlling 9s

Golden Flag: Matt Kellahan

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Highlight some fun rugby news happening with the Women’s Rugby World Cup soon approaching

The usual Super Rugby appointments, followed by our predictions for who will referee the final !

Followed by match official opportunities:

1. World Club Championship
2. Super A
3. Rugby Premier League (Indian 7s)

Law of the week: Scoring- 8.9 & Match Officials- 6.3

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State Champs- congrats to those referees and MODs

Candace goes through some fun rugby news around the world

Main segment: Super Rugby

TMO protocols and the decisions made during the Brumbies vs Crusaders match. What does the game need ?

Rob highlights: Super Rugby + U20 Match Official appointments

Technical Zone homework follow-up:

Answer: 6.28 : a,b,c 

Law of the week: 12.9 - Kick-off and restart kicks

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This week Pearcey shares an experience of how to deal with back chat.

Reminder for those who have access to Rugby Australia learning: the launch of Refereeing Considerations for Women & Girls Rugby is available. Candace highlights how great the education piece is for all referees.

Weekly round up of Super Rugby appointments and some amazing rugby stats from top try scorers across the men’s and women's game.

Golden whistle: Dan Andrews

Law of the week: Scoring 8.25

Shout out: Bournemouth 7s referees

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Breaking news: the 20min red card to be a global law trial

Rob summaries some key updates from the World Rugby- Player Welfare and Laws meeting.

Main segment:

1.Review on Alec Kelter red card and 3 match ban.

2.Moana Pasifika vs Blues match and the ‘attacking phases’

3.Highlighting Pacific 4 series and Super Rugby appointments

Golden Whistle: Ella Goldsmith

Plus highlighting Australian referees selected for the Rugby World Cup

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Super Rugby Pacific/ Women’s Pacific 4 series continues and we highlight the appointments for those referees. Plus reflect on the talent coming through the U20s rugby and those match officials

Topics this week:

1. What does your scrum picture look like ? Making decisions at scrum time.
2. Referee rant: referee changing rooms and rained on kit
3. Do you still check boots before a match?
4. Law of the week/ homework: Technical Zone—> can you sanction a support staff ?

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Appointment highlights from LA 7s & Pacific 4 Series.

The British & Irish Lions and July Internationals Match Officials have been announced! The trio review appointments and some milestones for those referees.

Main segment: Mental Health Week - NSW referees.

It’s a powerful reminder that our clubs are communities, and that no one should ever feel they have to struggle alone.

Useful links: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/

Golden Whistle: Lauren Jenner

Law of the week: Time- 5.8

Ending with should Rugby Union allow celebrating tries ? Is there any laws against it ?

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The squad (Candace, Rob, Pearcey) meet up to discuss all things Womens 6Nations + rugby news.

Highlighting a special weekend full of Anzac Day rugby and important matches coming up LA 7s & Pacific 4 series.

Review the zipper position for the line-out — is it effective?

Lastly how TMO deal with serious injury- Leicester Tigers v Harlequins match.

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The three reflect on their own appointments that took place in the country (bush) and Sydney.

Followed by recapping some rugby news and highlighting from a match official point of view the Singapore 7s, Women’s Super Rugby Final and Women’s 6Nations appointments.

Main focus was the Waratahs vs Chiefs match discussing TMO calls and yellow card for a high tackle.

Law of the week: 21. 2 - In-goal

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Rob highlights the usual Super Rugby appointments for the men’s + women’s

Highlight some key decision making during the Women’s final at the Hong Kong 7s

Moving onto the main segment which is reviewing some key moments from Week 1&2 of the W6N.

Golden Whistle: Precious Pazani

Law of the week: 10.1d Loitering (the returning law)

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What hasn’t our guest achieved refereeing?

x2 Olympics, Rugby World Cups, World Series 7s, WXV, Commonwealth Games, Super Rugby and more

Tyler discusses:

1) Becoming a Police officer while being a rugby referee

2) Olympics - being part of the team of three for Gold Metal match in Paris

3) Fitness times for rugby 7s referees

4) What does recovery look like for elite referees after injury?

5) Rapid fire questions

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Luckily the Women’s 6 Nations (W6N) begins this weekend (March 22nd)

They highlight the appointments from across Super Rugby and the W6N.

Then review the updated World Rugby Rankings based on the 6Nation results. Plus share some crazy stats from the top try scorers.

Quiz Master Rob tests the team on their knowledge around the word ‘Matador’.

Law of the week: Lineout 18.13

Ending the pod with a different Golden Whistle : Glen Jackson

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They highlight some appointments for the coming weekend.

Reflect on the captain management from the 6nations match- Ireland vs France.

Summarize some key learnings from the 1st Rugby Australia- Match Official Webinar.

Rob explains more about the Foul Play Calibration Group.

Law of the week: 9.11

Golden whistle: Cliff Dodds

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They run through some key appointments from across the competitions from PWR to Super Rugby (Women’s & Men’s)

Rob tests the others with a Pop Quiz - of the Old vs New rugby terms.

Plus they review how the match officials managed the technical zone- during the Hurricanes vs Blues Super Rugby match.

Law of the week: 7.2c - Advantage

Golden Whistle: Maggie Cogger-Orr

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Highlights: Women’s Super Rugby, Vancouver 7s, 6nations matches, and the Men’s Super rugby.

Discussion on head contact from some of the Super Rugby Matches, and how referees managed this on field.

Focus on Rugby Australia’s Concussion Management Procedure (CMP) update.

Pub quiz knowledge for the Calcutta Cup for those rugby nerds.

Golden Whistle: Ella Goldsmith - Gold metal match for Vancouver 7s

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Pearcey reflects on his Match Official Development Conference.

We highlight some of the Round 1 of the Super Rugby. With a focus on the Waratahs vs Highlanders match.

Ending the pod with the Graham Coopers- Rapid Fire Questions.

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Coops describes his rugby background and how he got into refereeing but also his role at Rugby Australia.

He breaks down the Game Management Guidelines (GMGs) and how its created for international, domestic etc

Also all you need to know about how running Perth 7s is like and the match officials participation.

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With 6 Nations match review on key moments in England v France. Which links to what is the definition of a knock on?

Super Rugby begins this weekend with Candace and Rob running through the appointments for match officials.

Main focus is on some MLR law variations.

Golden Whistle: Sam Grove- White

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The Play On team ask Rachel about decision making for TMOs and her thoughts around the use of technology within the sport of rugby. As well as her thoughts on what separates elite referees from others?

The interview finishes with the Play On ‘rapid fire’ questions.

Then Rob and Candace reflect on the men’s 6 nation results and match officials decisions

—

To listen to more about Rachel Horton’s story on military/ PHD/ principal life:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/64y6CNY6bjJ1qX2qn6eWpy?si=3xabV0DdRJK4DOX6xtCMTA

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Referee highlights:

1. Perth 7s
2. Waratahs vs Pacifica
3. 6 nation appointments

Rob shares some takeaways from a player point of view regarding Mack Hansen in the press conference.

Law review of the week:

Knock ons grey area and forward pass physics

Golden Whistle: Bruce Cook

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This week the main segment is reviewing the results of the European Rugby Champions Cup and how good the match officials are doing. In particular obstruction call made during a high impact moment.

Topics:

-Highlight Perth 7s pools

-Ref Review of Wayne Barnes book- ‘Throwing the Book’

-Timing for referees feedback from coaches

Law of the week: Rob and Pearcey guess where the law being read is in the law book.

(Answer revealed at the end of the pod)

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Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back after short hiatus.

Topics:

-Rugby news + Referee selection for 6nations and more

-Honorary golden whistle- Perth 7s organizers

-A referee point of view of Mack Hanson’s misconduct towards the match officials.

-Main segment is on Rugby Australia’s Golden Decade of major events and the plan for match officials.

Ending with our Law of the week: 18: 2d

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Candace runs through some rugby weekly highlights for referees.

The main segment is on the new laws passed (and some not, and others on hold).

Highlights and Lowlights of the year- of course referee and rugby related

They briefly discuss the USA referee development of match officials

Ending with Golden Whistle: Luke Rogan — debut refereeing between Mexico and the Cayman Islands

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-World Rugby Awards

-Dubai 7s - referee highlights

-Recruitment for new rugby referees

-Trends from Autumn Internationals

Law of the week: Maul 16- 2 (a non maul)

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Candace, Rob and Pearcey chat about …

-New head of World Rugby

-Autumn International matches and the refereeing trends

-The Coronation of NSW new referee President

-Matches coming up and referee appointments

Law of the week- Foul Play- 9.16, or as Rob calls it The Law of Unintended Consequences.

Captain chat: Luke Pearce

Golden Whistles: Ella Goldsmith and Jess Ling

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Topics:

-How important is a good captain.

-Management in play (breakdown)

-Obstruction/ Escorting management

-Future international matches and our predictions

Law of the week: Scoring 8- 2e

Golden Whistle: Remembering a valuable member of the Central West Rugby Community- Teagan Miller

If you need to speak to someone—> Life Line: 13 11 14 (Australia)

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Main segment: A match review of England vs New Zealand from a referee perspective.

They touch on the Scotland vs Fiji match- refereed by Craig Evans.

Highlight the Rugby Australia Awards 2024:

Golden Whistle: Ian McGowan, QLD Country Rugby Referees getting the Andrew Cole Community Match Official of the Year award

If you have any guest ideas for the podcast, get in contact:

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They highlight the WXV tournament and how well it was run for match officials and players.

Review the impact the Wallaroos will have with the Rugby World Cup 2025 draw.

They touch on the grey area around the ruck, from a game situation played by Ireland vs New Zealand.

The main segment is about the law trials and variations for the Autumn International matches.

Golden whistle: Ben O’Keeffe

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The main segment this week they discuss the topics covered in the ‘Behind the Whistle- The Bledisloe’ Q&A.

The Panel:

Referee: Karl Dickson (England)

ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) & Damian Schneider (Argentina)

TMO: Stuart Terheege (England)

Foul play officer: Eric Gauzins (France)

Plus the WXV has started, with the all in important law trials being used. Rob explains which ones are being used for this tournament.

Golden Whistle: Aimee Barrett-Theron

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They speak about how laws change and why they pick laws to trial.

What is Keith’s motto or mantra when he referees? This and more on Play On

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Keith describes his journey on getting into his current role at World Rugby and his blogging- https://rugbyreferee.net/

They touch on Keith being a TMO for 7yrs but also advising the bunker system.

They review the referee selection for WXV and how this will affect the World Cup in 2025.

Captain chat: Nigel Owen’s 

Closing with Keith Rugby referee journal :) 

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Blowes Cup summary on who might be in the final for Central West Rugby.

What happens when a player is given their 3rd yellow card for the season?

Highlight rugby news: WXV and International tests.

Law of the week: 20.11 (Penalty and free-kick)

Captains chat: thanks to Hollie Davidson

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The other topics discussed are- which national anthem is their favourite at rugby matches as a referee and as a spectator.

They follow with the big question ‘What happens when the ball or other objects hits the referee?’.

We touch on the ‘Sydney Whistle’ and overall referees and their whistle tone.

Law of the week: 6.11 a/b- Match Official

Golden Whistle: is ironically a whistle.

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Pearcey shares his Blowes Cup referee experience which Candace happens to be his Match Official Developer! 

Candace reflects from her Ref #6 experience from the Wallaroos vs Fiji match. 

Main topic: the three review how the trial laws are going within International games and U20s Championship.

Golden Whistle: Amy Perrett

Law of the week: 21.17 (In-goal) & 19.1 (Scrum)

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Highlight some rugby referee news: UK Premiership Finals for the Women’s comp has been completed and we highlight those referees involved. Plus, Conrad Smith has become a referee !

They touch on referee exchange programs with referees traveling to New Zealand and South Africa.

Golden Whistle: Wayne Barnes :)

Law of the week: 18.36

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A benchmark player suspension handed down by World Rugby.

Is “Respect the kicker” a thing (or not)?

A great example of the captain chat. Plus a new segment- “Ref unfiltered”

The regular Law of the week- its foul play, but not as you know it (9.8 & 9.9)

All this and more from Play On !

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They highlight the Men’s Super Rugby Final with the Blues vs Chiefs coming up and how much impact does the home crowd have on the game and on the match officials. Plus what is the right level of industrial deafness that you need as a match official.

It finishes with how the referee finals selection process works and their guess on who gets the whistle!

Golden Whistle: State Champ Referees

Law of the week: 15.16.d (Ruck) & 19.38.a (Scrum)

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The focus this week is to highlight the disappointing news about the Melbourne Rebels going into administration. While celebrating what the club has done to the community in Victoria. Stu and Nathan (Pearcey) get interviewed by Candace on how this news affects Australian Rugby and how this might impact the Victoria Rugby Referees.

It finishes off with the classic:

Golden Whistle is: Christophe Ridley

Law of the week: 18.14 (Lineout)

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Rob referee update was his one of a kind tied games scenario.

Highlighting the Pacific 4 series winners and Champions (EPCR) Cup referees. Focus is around timing for try no try and overtime.

Candace tests her grade school French on Rob with some referee French phrases. Joue, Joue !

Golden Whistle: Mathieu Raynal

Law of the week: The ground 1.3

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The main focus is breaking down the law changes and trials that have come through the last few weeks from World Rugby.

Candace and Rob go through their favourite law changes and ones they are interested to see play out. Plus what dates they launch !

Golden Whistle: Hollie Davidson

Law of the week: 15:16 f (Ruck)

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Candace has been working on re writing and recording her pre game chat. She runs through it with Nathan and he shares his referee bible.

They discuss about who they involve in the pre game chat and how they brief front row. Also do you make the captains sign a contract? What do you say to brief the front row?

Golden Whistle- Tyler Miller

Women’s Grand Final + Women’s 6 nations are all complete- so we highlighted the great referees !

Law of the week: 16.18 Maul and ending with Captain chat :)

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They answer some quick fire questions such as: favourite law, worst player you’ve reffed, best and worst advice someone gave you about rugby refereeing and more.

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It will cover women’s and men’s rugby matches from a referee perspective. With Candace explaining what it’s like to referee Aqua Rugby in Sydney, Australia. Nathan’s spills the tea about Kiama 7s. While the Women’s Super Rugby have the Semi Finals which Candace is a Ref #6 for. Then finally we touch on some tips on how to prepare for a match as a rugby union referee.

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