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Play On : the rugby referee podcast

Life as a Rugby Union Referee


Latest episode

  • 33. From Grand Finals to Test Rugby

    49:00||Season 3, Ep. 33
    The Pod is back with Candace, Rob and Pearcey talking about Grand Final chaos to international tests, this episode is packed! Candace survives three seasons in one day, Pearcey gets behind the mic, and Rob brings the U16 Grand Final drama.Then it’s into the big rugby and match-official stories: the 4.5-size WXV ball, Ultimate 7s, LA28 qualification, referees getting back into season prep, RA webinars and the Dallas Harlequins referee-abuse fallout.On the field, we unpack a fascinating weekend of Tests from Rugby Greatest Rivalry to Australia vs the Pumas ! They deliberate knock-ons, penalty tries, advantage, player input, mauls and plenty of stoppages- plus dive into the latest Super Rugby Australia and Ultimate 7s law variations.And, of course, appointments and the Golden Whistle round out another big episode 🏉🎙️#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

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  • 32. You Do Not Talk About Fight Club

    43:31||Season 3, Ep. 32
    This week on Play On Rob and Peacey catch up on the latest rugby news before diving into some fascinating Tests: Springboks soar just enough as Wallabies win and Chile champs Uruguay by knockout.They fly through a crazy weekend of rugby, breaking down the capers in Cape Town and the Wallabies' heroics in Jujuy. From Angus Gardner’s scrum management, lineout challenges, TMO moments, game management and plenty of post-try referee chat.They also discuss the less than best rough and tumble in the Chile XV v Uruguay XV clash, making hard work for the match officials and even more for the judiciary.Law of the Week (19.10-12) tackles the often-misunderstood “brake foot” while Captain’s Chat takes us inside a memorable Angus Gardner scrum intervention.I: @play_on_podT: @Rob_McKayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS
  • 31. Cards, Scrums & Controversial Calls

    44:28||Season 3, Ep. 31
    Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back with another deep dive into the world of rugby officiating! 🏉Play On Pod catch up after the Grand Final, look at the latest match-official news, and break down the big talking points from the Men’s South Africa v New Zealand and Women’s New Zealand v Australia.They touch on penalties, breakdowns, cards, scrum decisions and some fascinating referee moments.Plus: upcoming appointments, stats, trends, Law of the Week- has two related to law 12- kick off and restart kicks. Golden Whistle celebration as Aurélie Groizeleau will reach 50 Tests come Canada vs England match ! Follow and subscribe here:I: @play_on_podT: @Rob_McKayYouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS
  • 30. CHEIK, CHECK, CHEQUE

    20:15||Season 3, Ep. 30
    Play On Pod mixes it up a little this week in a short, sharp, punchy episode. They Cheik out the new coach of the 2027 Waratahs men, and check in on some sensational stats and Sniper City, and celebrate some awards. It's also the business end of the season as teams head into finals, playing for big money cheques, with everything on the line. Match officials - are you ready? They go majorly prime in Stat Central, have an unprecedented Golden Whistle scenario and throw up a challenge in Law of the Week. Rankings, trends and the golden girl Wallaroos also feature in a tight but action packed episode. #PlayOnPodFollow and subscribe here:I: @play_on_podI: @robgmckayT: @Rob_McKayS: @robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS
  • 29. Red Cards, Law Trials & Golden Whistles

    43:15||Season 3, Ep. 29
    Play On is back- with Candace and Rob have a packed episode of rugby news, match-official milestones and plenty of talking points. They discuss Wes Thomas’ devastating neck injury and the GoFundMe supporting him (https://gofund.me/e0b969c4b), the Sione Fukofuka Wallaroos coaching saga, the special haka in Durban, and the newly released Super Rugby AUS draw.Captain sent off? Candace and Rob kick off with the big question: how do you process a YC or RC for the skipper?On the whistle, Jimmy is closing in on an incredible 800th game, while we dive into the Tests rugby from Amatosero’s red-card suspension and the Head Contact Process to Argentina v South Africa’s slow-burn finish and Scotland v New Zealand’s clash of styles.Plus: tech zones, trainers getting a little too involved, early shifts at the lineout, appointment news, and our Law of the Week looking at the latest NPC and Super Rugby AUS law trials.And, of course, we finish with the Golden Whistle- Angus Gardner with 100th Shute Shield match 🏉🎙️#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS
  • 28. Episode 100! Celebrating the Journey & Breaking Down the Latest Rugby Laws

    53:28||Season 3, Ep. 28
    Candace, Rob and Pearcey are celebrating 100 episodes of the Play On Podcast!Join them as they look back at the most popular episodes and social moments before diving into the latest rugby news.They discuss new research into head injuries in women's rugby, USA law variations, and a key decision from the Super Rugby Women's Championship Final.Rob covers the latest referee appointments, share our Stat Central update, and finish with our Law of the Week, explaining the scrum mark under Law 19.2.Thanks to all the listeners for being part of this exciting milestone- first 100 episodes!University of Sydney Match Official Survey:https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=H9KLFPAETF7ERLP7#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS
  • 27. From WXV to Wild TMO Calls

    47:22||Season 3, Ep. 27
    This week on Play On Pod, Candace and Rob cover one of the biggest weeks in rugby officiating and the women's game.Super Rugby Women's Championship Final between the Waratahs and Auckland, unpack the newly announced WXV competition structure, and discuss World Rugby's $90 million Impact Beyond programme, including major investment in Australia and the Pacific and its focus on growing women's and girls' rugby.They highlight Rugby Australia's new post-match mental wellbeing initiative for match officials, the latest disciplinary news involving Tomás Albornoz, and share some inspiring referee stories from Eden Park and Fiji.On the field, they review the extraordinary Canada vs Zimbabwe Test, featuring a lightning delay, communications failure and a TMO decision made via mobile phone, before breaking down the key talking points from Super Rugby Women's, including Fiji's controversial try against the Waratahs.Plus, they answer your questions on scrum dominance, and finish with our Appointments segments.University of Sydney Match Official Survey:https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=H9KLFPAETF7ERLP7#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS