“Doctor, Barrister...” – The day jobs of the 2023 Rugby World Cup referee’s

Monday, 28 August 2023 at 08:48

byRugby Rucker

A total of 26 Emirates Match Officials (12 referees, seven assistant referees and seven Television Match Officials) representing nine nations with more than 630 test appearances between them, will take charge of the 48 tournament matches. The selection has been made on merit.

In an experienced referee group, Wayne Barnes (England), holder of the most test appearances (102), will officiate in a fifth-straight Rugby World Cup in the country in which he debuted in 2007. Meanwhile, Nika Amashukeli will make history as the first Georgian to officiate at a Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup 2017 final referee Joy Neville (Ireland) becomes the first woman to officiate at a men’s Rugby World Cup, taking her place as TMO.

Fellow TMO Ben Whitehouse (Wales) will follow in the footsteps of his father Nigel, who was an assistant referee and TMO at RWC 2003.

Day jobs of the 2023 Six Nations:

#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."

#2. Wayne Barnes

Referee, Wayne Barnes during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on 29 Jan. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Age: 43

Nationality: English

Occupation: Barrister

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.

Wayne Barnes facts:

When not on the pitch or working with the England team, Barnes is a practising barrister
Barnes started playing rugby at the age of eight, and took up refereeing aged 15 with Gloucester & District Referees
He also has two young children, Juno and Beau with wife Polly.

Wayne Barnes toughest player to referee Richie McCaw

BARNES SAID: “Richie always had the knack of asking the right question at the right time, sometimes it felt like I was losing a little bit of control. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t talk a lot on the field. He knew the law book inside out and so when he asked a question, he often had a point.”

#3. Jaco Peyper

Referee, Jaco Peyper watches the TMO for a potential shoulder charge during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK

Age: 42

Nationality: South African

Occupation: Lawyer

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: 34

Nationality: Irish/Welsh

Occupation: Musician

He is a grade eight violinist. His violin teacher was the mother of TV presenter Gethin Jones.

Andrew Brace toughest player to referee: Marcel Coetzee

Brace said: “ I think one of the toughest players I’ve refereed would be Marcel Coetzee. He’s such a physical player who never takes a backward step.”

#5. Nigel Owens

Age: 51

Nationality: Welsh

Occupation: Farmer

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.

Nigel Owens facts:

Owens was born and raised in the village of Mynyddcerrig, near Cross Hands in Carmarthenshire

In May 2007, Owens publicly came out as gay in an interview with Wales on Sunday

His long-term partner is Barrie Jones-Davies, a primary school teacher from Llandovery

Owens started refereeing in 1987, after his sports teacher John Beynon suggested he take up refereeing after a school game

His first game was an under-15s match between Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire at the age of 16

Nigel Owens toughest player to referee: Austin Healey

OWENS SAID: “Definitely. I only caught him towards the end of his career, thankfully. A wonderfully talented player and a very good pundit now, but he always had plenty say and quickly assumed I didn’t like him. He’s actually blocked me on Twitter, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”