Play On : the rugby referee podcast

The final weekend of the #NationsChampionship and #NationsCup had action every which way you look, both on and off the field... While Candace takes a well earned break, Rob and Pearcey discuss the ups and downs of the last round of Test matches.  We celebrate some major match official appointments, the good, the bad and the ugly of captaincy, and lots of love for one of the very best match officials. Some surprising trends led by one of our own, new sanctions for protecting match officials, Stat Central, a topical Law of the Week, and plenty more to boot.#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

The rugby never stops! This week on Play On Pod Candace, Rob and Pearcey wrap up the World Rugby U20 Championship Final, discuss groundbreaking developments in remote TMO technology and new initiatives to tackle online abuse of players and match officials.They also dive into the biggest refereeing moments from New Zealand v Italy, Wallabies v France, England v Fiji and South Africa v Scotland, breaking down key decisions, law applications and TMO interventions.Plus, the latest appointments, Stat Central, and our Law of the Week answers a question many referees and fans are asking: Can you score a 50:22 from a free kick? 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

It's Test week on Play On Pod! Candace, Rob and Pearcey kick things off with our busiest yellow card weekend of the season, a trip to Woollahra.This week the pod unpack the confirmed Pacific Nations Cup schedule, World Rugby's quiet rankings overhaul, important law updates and why the Waratahs are setting records they'd rather avoid. Super Rugby Women's- they review several big foul play decisions.Law of the Week, featuring a fascinating incident from the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia.On the whistle, they review the major Test matches from England v South Africa, New Zealand v France, Australia v Ireland and USA v Portugal, breaking down the key referee decisions, bunker reviews, yellow cards, deliberate knock-ons, tackle consistency and some fascinating moments that had everyone talking.Finishing up with Rob’s Appointment announcements !#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

This week on Play On, we're tackling the biggest talking points in rugby- FINALS!Candace, Rob and Pearcey unpack World Rugby's decision to lower the legal tackle height in community rugby, the latest Rugby World Cup 2027 ticket frenzy, and what those new law changes really mean for referees and players.In the main segment we dive into a wild weekend of Super Rugby Pacific Finals and break down the Gallagher Premiership Final.Later Candace and Rob celebrate some incredible referee appointments, and give a huge shout-out to the Queensland Country match officials heading to Townsville.Plus, Candace puts Rob and Pearcey to the test with another Law of the Week challenge... can you guess where in the law book?#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

This week on Play On Pod, Candace goes from Colts to AR in 1st Grade and shares an important reminder about the rarely-heard "Mayday" call after a player suffered a serious shoulder injury.They dive into a spicy State Champs rant, previews the launch of Rugby Premier League, and explores the rise of hybrid players blurring the lines between forwards and backs. They share World Rugby's latest Women's Health webinar series and RugbyPass TV.In Match Official news, they unpack NSW Rugby's new expedited disciplinary process for team officials and what referees need to know about the playing enclosure before kick-off. Then it's onto Super Rugby Pacific finals fever- the Chiefs cruise, the Hurricanes make history, and they debate whether a yellow card was missed in a key aerial contest.UK PREM: Luke Pearce shines in the Northampton Saints vs Leicester Tigers. Preview the SRP Final appointments, and finish with Law of the Week — Law 10.4(a)- Offside and onside in open play- inspired by Pearcey’s favourite player, Henry Pollock.#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

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