Along with our partners at ACME whistles, we caught up with Luke to find out a little more about how having The Six Nations and Premiership running simultaneously is challenging.
He explains how he manages this saying: “With the competitions running alongside each other, you’ve got to make sure that whenever you’re refereeing the Six Nations you’re hitting your peak.
“You’ll have done a few games beforehand, to iron everything out. So, for example, Stuart Terheege (TMO) and I have worked together for the last two weeks which just helps make the communication smooth. Then we have a week off and hit Edinburgh.
“But in reality we work for England Rugby, so our bread and butter is the Premiership. So it’s it’s vital we still keep 100% focus on that and attend meetings with our team at Twickenham.
“It’s a balancing act between making sure that we’re giving support to the guys and girls who are solely in the Premiership, and attending meetings with World Rugby and making sure that when we perform at the Six Nations.
“Refereeing can be a bit tricky sometimes because after a game players get the luxury of travelling back together, but referees are pretty much on their own. That can add another challenge because you always have time to contemplate your performance – wondering what ifs, buts and maybes.
“I’ve been in the job for twelve years now and travel has increased significantly since I started. Back then I maybe did the odd conference call, but there wasn’t half the amount of travel there is now. We have options and I could live closer to London, but I choose not to so I have to factor that in – balancing home and work life. Most people, in any walk of life, have that balancing act as well though.”
For more information on refereeing and to get started, visit www.acmewhistles.co.uk