Play On : the rugby referee podcast

The Play On Pod team is back after a huge week of rugby!Candace survives the marathon that is State Championships, Peacey takes charge in Orange, and they give some well-earned love to the Match Official Developers and volunteers who keep community rugby rolling.Candace and Rob unpack Australia's Rugby 7s victory, celebrate Jorja Miller's Sevens Player of the Year award, and discuss the growing trend of hookers launching 50:22s.In Match Official news, we break down World Rugby's latest clarification around scrum-halves at the ruck, plus review the action from State Championships, Super Rugby Pacific, Super Rugby Women's, Tests and SVNS.This week's talking points focus on tackle height, players chasing turnovers with heads in dangerous positions, scrum management, timing of calls, and avoiding slingshot No.8s.Also cover key appointments done by Rob.Law of the week: Penalty and free kick & Scoring — 20:15 / 8:22 + Candace’s law variations request !Golden Whistle: Gus Erickson.Read more of Rob’s articles:https://open.substack.com/pub/89rugby/p/ask-the-ref-how-many-infringements?r=1gyg8t&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

From Molong to Madrid, the Play On Podcast covers another massive week in rugby and officiating.Candace, Rob and Pearcey dive into Super Rugby, the launch of Super Rugby Women’s, and Australia's impressive SVNS campaign despite Maddi Levi's injury setback. Then unpack key referee moments including a dramatic TMO intervention in the SVNS final, a rare "no maul" decision, red card discussions, and some bizarre Premiership incidents from Northampton v Gloucester.Plus, State Championship this weekend around Australia are here. Golden Whistle recognition for outstanding officials: Namekawa Takehito & Precious PazaniReferee retro jerseys, and a reminder that match officials can challenge players without making themselves the main character.#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back with all things rugby! Diving into a massive week across rugby union and beyond. From Jo Yapp making history as the first-ever Women’s Lions Head Coach, to discussions around player welfare, HIA protocols and tackle technique following recent rugby league headlines- there’s plenty to unpack.The crew also previews the upcoming 7s action in Valladolid, counts down to the World Rugby Junior Championship, and breaks down World Rugby’s new global strategy for the game. Plus, Super Rugby delivers more referee talking points: yellow cards, line-out trends, captain communication, “Kids Round”. Plus, the Investec Champions Cup final gets the full Play On Pod treatment- controversial moments, foul play, mullet grabs, diving over tacklers, Law of the week- 10.4c discussions, and confusion around a late yellow card all under the microscope (or not). There’s also Stat Central milestones and Aussie appointments on the world stage. #PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back! With Super Series venues to wild on-field drama, this episode covers it all! They catch up on Cowra, Mudgee, Holroyd, and Primrose Park before diving into general rugby news.The Naughty Corner: shocking bans hit Georgia with an 11-year suspension for former captain Merab Sharikadze, while verbal abuse and dangerous tackles land players and even coaches in hot water. SRP action saw red cards and new combinations shaking up the competition.The countdown to the RWC hits 500 days!Super Rugby highlights feature bold strategies, dark arts moves, and last-minute chaos.Women’s Rugby & 6 Nations: Drama in Italy v Wales, Ireland v Scotland, and France v England. From tricky tackles to disallowed tries, records are broken, streaks extended and heroes emerge (Red Roses).UK Premiership & European Finals- Appointments: Wild scores, chaotic scrums, scuffles, and players keeping the game going despite losing teeth! Rob breaks down refereeing moments, key appointments, and the upcoming Challenge and Champions Cup clashes.Law of the Week: Back to basics with the “Knock Forward” Definition explained.#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back with more rugby referee review. Rugby news including the new maul law application guideline, rankings movement, and the latest on the Third Division Boat Race Trophy.Kylian Jaminet’s ProD2 collision- YC or red?Decoy runners and inside-ball variationsTalking Points:U20: South Africa v New Zealand red card reviewW6N: key calls from England v Italy, France v Scotland, and Ireland v WalesLatest W6N and SRP appointmentsRef Retro mystery jersey challengeCaptain’s Chat featuring Angus managing the #9s#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

Canadce, Rob and Pearcey are back talking all things rugby. Oh, and yes… May the Fourth was strong.Rugby News: Mental Health Round brought the odd socks energy, and don’t forget- you can nominate your grassroots legends for the Harvey Norman monthly awards. W6N returns this weekend, TRC U20s are underway, and there’s plenty of chatter around Daniel Botha’s suspension- tough call, but ultimately on him.On the FieldSuper Rugby delivered a mixed bag.Reds v Brumbies saw Frost pushing skyscraper status at blindside, while Moana v Blues gave us set-piece creativity but questionable counter-attack smarts.Gus kept Sid honest on goal-kicking duties too.U20s & Match Official FocusPlenty to unpack: high tackle frameworks, maul collapses, and deliberate knockdowns all under the microscope. Key takeaway? Head contact + upright tackler = trouble, but mitigation still matters. And yes- even uncontested lineouts still need to be straight.Stat Central: Red Roses’ goal-kicking remains eliteAppointments & Golden Whistle: Big shoutout to Jess Ling- W6N debut and this week’s Golden Whistle winner.Law of the WeekMaul definitions- because apparently we still need them (thanks, Moana). Candace Quickies making another cameo.#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS