The day jobs of the 2022 Six Nations referees: Barrister, Doctor...
Rugby NewsMonday, 31 January 2022 at 21:18
Behind the glitz and glamour of the Six Nations, many world-class referees have had to work around the clock to fulfill their rugby dream.
#1. Ben O'Keeffe
- Age: 33
- Nationality: New Zealand
- Occupation: Eye Doctor
- Six Nations games: Scotland v England
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.
#2. Wayne Barnes
- Age: 42
- Nationality: English
- Occupation: Barrister
- Six Nations games: Ireland v Scotland
The 41-year-old is an English international rugby union referee and barrister. It was law he studied at university and a career as a barrister he pursued after graduating, but as he started to progress up the ranks as a referee the RFU offered to employ him in 2005. He’s now refereed more Premiership games than any other official.
#3. Jaco Peyper
- Age: 41
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Lawyer
- Six Nations games: Ireland v Wales, France v England
The 38-year-old still operates as an attorney for his family business, Peyper Attorneys while continuing to be one of the worlds best referees.
#4. Andrew Brace
- Age: 33
- Nationality: Irish/Welsh
- Occupation: Musician
- Six Nations games: Italy v Scotland
He is a grade eight violinist. His violin teacher was the mother of TV presenter Gethin Jones.
#5. Nigel Owens
- Age: 50
- Nationality: Welsh
- Occupation: Farmer
- Six Nations games: Pundit
The popular Welshman had an interest in farming since he was a young kid and it has always played a huge part in his life away from the rugby field. Over the years, Owens has been able to save up to buy his own farm with his partner Barrie and so far they've built up 26 pedigree Hereford cattle.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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