The secret careers of rugby's top referees – from Hollie Davidson to Ben O'Keeffe
Rugby NewsSaturday, 01 August 2026 at 22:18
Rugby's top referees are used to making split-second decisions in front of packed stadiums and millions watching around the world.
But while fans know them for blowing the whistle on the biggest matches in the sport, many have enjoyed remarkable careers away from rugby.
From a former JP Morgan investment banker and a leading eye surgeon to a barrister and a lawyer, here are the secret careers of some of the game's best-known officials.
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10. Craig Evans – Former Wales Sevens international
Before swapping boots for a whistle, Craig Evans was a talented player in his own right.
The Welshman represented Wales Sevens and also played for Cardiff RFC before deciding to pursue a career in refereeing. His understanding of the game as a former player has helped him become one of the United Rugby Championship's regular officials.
9. Karl Dickson – Former Premiership winner
Karl Dickson spent more than a decade as a professional scrum-half, making over 150 appearances for Harlequins.
He was part of the famous Harlequins side that won the Premiership title in 2012 before injury forced him into retirement. Dickson has since established himself as one of England's leading referees and is now a regular on the international circuit.
8. Nic Berry – Former professional rugby player
Like Dickson, Australia's Nic Berry knows exactly what it's like to play at the highest level.
The former Queensland Reds and Wasps fly-half saw his playing career cut short by repeated concussions at just 28 years old. He quickly turned to refereeing and has since officiated at multiple Rugby World Cups.
7. Angus Gardner – Finance professional
Before becoming one of World Rugby's elite referees, Angus Gardner worked in the financial services industry.
The Australian balanced a career in finance with refereeing before eventually committing to officiating full-time, a decision that saw him go on to referee some of the biggest Tests in world rugby.
6. Luke Pearce – Chartered surveyor
England's Luke Pearce previously worked as a chartered surveyor in the property sector before making the switch to professional refereeing.
Now regarded as one of the world's most respected officials, Pearce has taken charge of countless Six Nations, Rugby Championship and Autumn Nations Series clashes.
5. Nigel Owens – Farmer
Few referees are more recognisable than Nigel Owens.
The Welshman retired as one of the most decorated officials in rugby history, but away from the game he has always remained close to his roots. Owens now spends much of his time running his family farm in Carmarthenshire, alongside media work, public speaking and mentoring the next generation of referees.
4. Jaco Peyper – Lawyer
South African referee Jaco Peyper built a successful legal career before making officiating his full-time profession.
His background as a lawyer required precision, confidence and composure—qualities that became hallmarks of his refereeing throughout a career that included more than 60 Test matches.
3. Hollie Davidson – Investment banker
Before becoming one of the biggest names in world refereeing, Hollie Davidson worked as an investment banker at JP Morgan.
The Scot made the bold decision to leave the financial sector to pursue refereeing full-time, despite taking a pay cut of more than 50%.
It proved to be one of the best decisions of her career. Davidson has gone on to break barriers across the sport, becoming the first woman to referee a European Challenge Cup final and one of World Rugby's leading officials.
2. Wayne Barnes – Barrister
Wayne Barnes enjoyed two elite careers at the same time.
Alongside refereeing more than 100 Test matches and taking charge of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, Barnes also built a successful career as a barrister specialising in commercial law.
Since retiring from refereeing, he has focused on his legal work while remaining a familiar face in rugby through television and media appearances.
1. Ben O'Keeffe – Eye surgeon
Topping the list is New Zealand referee Ben O'Keeffe.
Away from rugby, O'Keeffe is a consultant ophthalmologist—an eye surgeon specialising in diagnosing and treating complex eye conditions.
Balancing a demanding medical career with refereeing at the highest level is an extraordinary achievement, making him one of the most fascinating figures in the sport.
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