Lions vs Australia referee faced scary incident with fan after game
Rugby NewsSaturday, 19 July 2025 at 06:49
at Jack Crowley on the turf. Yes, really.
Who is Lions vs Australia refereee? The world’s most talked-about referee isn’t just blowing the whistle
Ben O'Keeffe will be the man in the middle as the British & Irish Lions get their test series underway against the Wallabies.
The Kiwi took up refereeing at 19, went pro by 24, and in 2023 became New Zealand’s most capped Test referee of all time. He’s won Referee of the Year three times and has two Rugby World Cups under his belt.
But O’Keeffe’s life off the field? That’s a whole different game.
At 36, he’s not just any eye doctor. He’s a fully qualified ophthalmologist with a passion for tech — co-founding oDocs Eye Care to help fight blindness globally. As he once joked:
"Certainly, no one can question my eyesight. I'm an ophthalmologist. I've been lucky enough to balance both careers over the last couple of years as being a professional referee has become a full-time commitment."
"Certainly, no one can question my eyesight. I'm an ophthalmologist. I've been lucky enough to balance both careers over the last couple of years as being a professional referee has become a full-time commitment."
And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also offering cosmetic treatments from his clinic in Auckland — yes, including Botoxand Sunekos.
In December, he posted on Instagram:
"Over the summer I use my medical skills as a doctor before rugby ramps up again. Anti-wrinkle treatment is here and I am happy to help you tailor the look that you want. Especially for the bro's who have never tried it and want to see what all the fuss is about #brotox".
"Over the summer I use my medical skills as a doctor before rugby ramps up again. Anti-wrinkle treatment is here and I am happy to help you tailor the look that you want. Especially for the bro's who have never tried it and want to see what all the fuss is about #brotox".
O’Keeffe’s personal life is thriving too. He recently proposed to New Zealand journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton during a romantic trip to South Africa. Shrimpton — a well-known newsreader — had previously worked with O’Keeffe’s sibling before following the man himself on social media.
"I've always wanted a family. I've always wanted a house where you can just settle down and be happy," O'Keeffe shared earlier in their relationship. "But I've always wanted to do that with the right person, so I've waited. Now I've found Wilhelmina, I'm sure all of that stuff will happen."
The storm of Paris: Quarter-final chaos and public backlash
O’Keeffe was thrust into a media firestorm after officiating the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final between France and South Africa — a one-point thriller that ended 29–28 to the Boks, but left fans in uproar.
Several decisions drew heavy scrutiny:
– Eben Etzebeth stayed on the field after a controversial hit on Uini Atonio
– Damian de Allende went unpunished for a forearm on Antoine Dupont
– Kwagga Smith escaped a penalty for a match-defining turnover
– Eben Etzebeth stayed on the field after a controversial hit on Uini Atonio
– Damian de Allende went unpunished for a forearm on Antoine Dupont
– Kwagga Smith escaped a penalty for a match-defining turnover
After the final whistle, Dupont didn’t hold back:
"It's hard to talk about these things because there's lots of disappointment and frustration. We could have had some penalties at crucial moments."
"It's hard to talk about these things because there's lots of disappointment and frustration. We could have had some penalties at crucial moments."
He added:
"I don't want to be a bad loser and moan about the refereeing but I don't think the refereeing was up to the level of what was at stake. It's not just one person, there are TMOs, assistant referees and they have time to review images as the game is going on. This doesn't take anything away from South Africa's performance, they played a great game."
"I don't want to be a bad loser and moan about the refereeing but I don't think the refereeing was up to the level of what was at stake. It's not just one person, there are TMOs, assistant referees and they have time to review images as the game is going on. This doesn't take anything away from South Africa's performance, they played a great game."
O’Keeffe responded with professionalism, saying the comments came:
"in the heat of battle" and at "a very emotional time".
"in the heat of battle" and at "a very emotional time".
But the aftermath was brutal. O’Keeffe described a disturbing encounter with an angry fan in a public bathroom, and revealed in the RugbyPass 'Whistleblowers' series just how dark things got:
"It was one of the toughest I've ever had in my life," he admitted. "I did feel scared around being in public, I just didn't want to lock myself in my room though. I was starting to second guess, like can I actually go out in public now?
"It was one of the toughest I've ever had in my life," he admitted. "I did feel scared around being in public, I just didn't want to lock myself in my room though. I was starting to second guess, like can I actually go out in public now?
"In the meantime, I'm trying to prepare for the biggest game I've ever been involved in. It took me a lot to get my head in the right space. To be hated by a nation isn't nice."
In an All Blacks mental health video, he reflected on the emotional toll:
"We knew as referees going into that game that there was going to be controversy no matter what. I guess I hadn't really prepared myself for the level of criticism and the onslaught that came in afterwards."
"We knew as referees going into that game that there was going to be controversy no matter what. I guess I hadn't really prepared myself for the level of criticism and the onslaught that came in afterwards."
EDITORS PICKS:
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- Lions team to play Australia: Andy Farrell names XV for first test
Owen Farrell and Two Springboks Named on Controversial ‘Most Hated’ Rugby List
Rugby might be a game rooted in respect, but that doesn’t mean every player is a fan favourite.
In fact, some names seem to exist purely to wind up the opposition — whether it’s for dirty play, endless sledging, off-field antics, or just being
toodamn good.
With old villains like Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar hanging up their boots, a fresh crop of love-to-hate stars has taken over. And yes, two Springboks have made the cut — with one storming to the top of the list.
A new fan poll has settled the debate (for now): these are the players supporters love to loathe. And the name at number one? It might just shock you
#6. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Lock
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
Caps: 131 (as of 2025)
Major Honours: ? 2x Rugby World Cup winner (2019, 2023)
A walking menace on the field, Etzebeth is the definition of a player you love on your team and loathe on the opposition. Brutal in the tackle, master of the dark arts in the ruck, and never far from an off-the-ball scrap. His sheer physical dominance and fiery temperament make him a nightmare for rivals.
That being said, many fans admire his old-school enforcer mentality — just as long as he's not slamming your favourite player into next week.
RUCK Verdict:
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
“One of the game’s last true hard men — and one of the most divisive.”
#5. Owen Farrell (England/Racing 92)
Position: Fly-Half/Centre
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Caps: 112
Major Honours: ? England captain, 3x Six Nations titles, 3x Lions tours
Once the undisputed No.1 on this list, Farrell has seen the hate ease up a bit since stepping away from England duty in 2024. But don’t be fooled — his infamous “shoulder-first” tackling style, fiery competitiveness, and snarling leadership still rile up fans and pundits alike.
Farrell's critics point to repeated high tackles and lenient disciplinary treatment, while supporters admire his elite mentality and unwavering loyalty. It's sad his world-class talent isn't recognised due to his constant role as the pantomime villain, as a lot of the 2025 Lions coverage has shown.
RUCK Verdict:
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
“Still England’s pantomime villain — unless he’s your guy. Then he walks on water.”
#4. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Position: Full-Back
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Caps: 100
Major Honours: ? British & Irish Lions (2013, 2017, 2021), 2x Six Nations Player of the Championship
Hogg's fall from grace has been swift and sad. Once a beloved figure in Scottish rugby and known for his attacking brilliance, recent headlines have painted a darker picture. Legal issues and personal controversies have led to widespread public criticism.
Despite his stunning career on the pitch, it’s his off-field actions — including pleading guilty to prolonged domestic abuse — that have landed him on this list.
RUCK Verdict:
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
“A tragic descent from fan favourite to tabloid target.”
#3. Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)
Position: Lock
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
Caps: 86
Major Honours: ? Key figure in Pumas’ historic wins over All Blacks and England
When you think of disciplinary records, you think Lavanini. The towering Argentine has earned a reputation as rugby’s ultimate red card magnet. Reckless tackles, repeated bans, and a total disregard for subtlety define his chaotic playing style.
He’s cleaned up his act — somewhat — in recent years, but the image of him flying into a ruck like a missile is hard to forget.
RUCK Verdict:
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
“A walking yellow card — and somehow still box office.”
#2. Israel Folau (Australia & Tonga)
Position: Full-Back/Wing
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Caps: 73 (Australia), 6 (Tonga)
Major Honours: ? Waratahs Super Rugby Champion, dual international (NRL & rugby union)
Once a generational talent and one of the most exciting backs in world rugby, Folau’s downfall was fast and public. In 2019, he was sacked by Rugby Australia after posting a series of homophobic social media messages — citing his religious beliefs.
He took legal action for unfair dismissal, resulting in a confidential settlement. Folau later switched allegiance to represent Tonga under World Rugby’s eligibility changes. His return has sparked both support and outrage — no middle ground here.
RUCK Verdict:
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
“A career undone by controversy. From electric to exiled — and back again.”
#1. Jaden Hendrikse (South Africa/Sharks)
Position: Scrum-Half
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
Caps: 20
Major Honours: ? Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
The latest entry, and a surprising one at that. Hendrikse earned fans’ ire after his antics in the URC quarter-final vs Munster, where he appeared to fake cramp and delay a crucial kick — before winking
The mind games might have worked, but it struck many as unsportsmanlike, especially on such a big stage. His place at the top of this list shows how quickly reputations can sour — even for a young World Cup winner.
Can You Name Every 2021 British & Irish Lions Player?
Think you remember the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa? It’s been a few years since that brutal, bruising, and controversial Test series — but true rugby heads never forget.
RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.
- 42 players were named in Warren Gatland’s final squad
- The Lions won the First Test 22-17, but the Springboks hit back to win the series 2-1
- The decider? A gritty 19-16 Springbok victory that still stings for many fans
Now it's time to test your memory.
- How many of those 42 Lions can you name?
- No hints. No positions. Just rugby IQ.
- You’ve got 5 minutes.
Take the quiz, scroll down, and start typing.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
Let’s see what you’re made of.
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