#1. Luke Pearce (England)
Luke is one of the leading English referees representing the Rugby Football Union. A regular on the international rugby scene, Luke has officiated in the English Premiership at European level and internationally on the biggest stage.
Born in Pontypool in 1987 – but growing up in Exeter, England, – Luke first joined the Devon Referee Society in 2005 at the age of 16.
Having played rugby at junior level with the likes of Exeter Saracens Rugby Club he turned his attention to refereeing to continue his time in the sport. In September 2005 Luke first picked up the whistle for a game between Crediton 2nds and Nuneaton Abbott 3rds.
Rising quickly through the ranks Luke became the youngest referee on the RFU National Panel in 2009.
By 2011 Luke was overseeing his first Premiership match between Gloucester V Worcester and joined the team for the World Seven Series the same year.
His first international was in 2013 when he took charge of a game between Romania and Russia in the European Nations Cup. The following year Luke made his Six Nations debut.
In 2019, at the World Cup in Japan, Luke was involved in eight games – three of which he refereed including Wales v Georgia, South Africa V Canada, and New Zealand v Italy – and the other five as an assistant referee.
Alongside our trusted partners at ACME Whistles, we were able to speak to Luke to find out more about the man behind the whistle. Click here to find out more.
