The upcoming Rugby World Cup promises to be a spectacle of both athleticism and precision, with a total of 26 Emirates Match Officials set to take the reins during the 48 tournament matches. This esteemed group comprises 12 referees, seven assistant referees, and seven Television Match Officials, hailing from nine different nations and boasting an impressive collective record of over 630 test appearances.
Their selection for this prestigious role has been based solely on merit, underlining their expertise and dedication to the game. Among this seasoned group, Wayne Barnes of England stands out as the most experienced, with a remarkable 102 test appearances to his name. Barnes will officiate in his fifth consecutive Rugby World Cup, a testament to his enduring commitment to the sport since his debut in 2007 on the very same turf.
Breaking barriers and making history, Nika Amashukeli from Georgia will become the first Georgian official to grace a Rugby World Cup, marking a significant milestone for his nation’s rugby community.
Adding a unique dimension to this distinguished panel is Joy Neville of Ireland, the referee who presided over the 2017 Rugby World Cup final. She is set to become the first woman to officiate at a men’s Rugby World Cup, reaffirming rugby’s commitment to inclusivity and equality.
Notably, Ben Whitehouse from Wales will follow in the illustrious footsteps of his father, Nigel, who served as an assistant referee and TMO at RWC 2003. This shared legacy underscores the deep-rooted passion for rugby within their family.
However, it’s not just their roles on the pitch that define these remarkable individuals. Some of these officials have careers away from rugby, including doctors and solicitors, showcasing the diverse talents and backgrounds that come together to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the game we all love. As we delve deeper into their day jobs, we gain a fuller appreciation of the multifaceted individuals entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the spirit of rugby in the global arena.
PARTNERS LINKS:
- Win a signed England jersey with Charles Tyrwhitt
- Find your local Greene King pub to watch the rugby
- Secure your seat for the Six Nations with viagogo
- Visit our World Cup travel guide with Omio
Day jobs of the 2023 Rugby World Cup referee’s:
#1. Ben O’Keeffe
Age: 34
Nationality: New Zealand
Occupation: Eye Doctor
One of New Zealand’s six full-time referees, O’Keeffe is also a qualified doctor specialising in ophthalmology, which deals with eye health and disease.
Ben O’Keeffe facts:
O’Keeffe became an amateur referee for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in 2013 having started officiating in 2008 at the age of 19
He grew up in Blenheim, New Zealand and attended Marlborough Boys’ College where he was head boy in 2006.
O’Keeffe’s brother, Michael O’Keeffe, represented New Zealand at the 2012 London Olympics in football
Ben O’Keeffe toughest player to referee: Ma’a Nonu
O’Keeffe said: “I think like Ma’a Nonu, yeah he was pretty tough. I’ve noticed over the last few years that players are just a lot bigger, a lot faster and a lot stronger.
“I trained with the Highlanders pre-season one year and you get a real appreciation of how big, fit and hard they hit. That just remind me why I just I love refereeing – so I don’t have to take those big hits.”