Play On : the rugby referee podcast

This week Candace, Rob and Pearcey dive into a massive mix of rugby action, officiating moments, and global headlines shaping the game.We kick things off with Mudgee 10s and ongoing trials, plus a light-hearted but very important debate- what’s the best food at the footy? In global rugby news, the buzz around the Rugby World Cup continues with 750,000 tickets already sold, while innovations like the MLR referee review system spark discussion- including captain’s challenges and how they could impact decision-making.In the rugby news they unpack some of the game’s tougher conversations:Oscar Jégou’s ban following foul playA doping scandal in Georgian rugbySix Nations breakdown:France vs England controversy- high tackles, mark confusion, and game management frustrationsIreland vs Scotland- Luke Pearce’s communication masterclass under pressureWales vs Italy- a dominant Welsh win, smart officiating, and key tactical decisionsNew segment called Stat Central highlights insane form from rising stars, including try-scoring records being smashed.Super Rugby & SVNS:Key TMO and grounding debatesBig calls in Moana vs BluesHigh-intensity Sevens finalsGolden Whistle: celebrating Aimee Barrett-Theron as Referee of the Year.Law of the Week: 18.2 : Touch, quick throws and lineout #PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

Candace, Rob and Peacey are back breaking down a massive week across rugby — from local match officials to the global game.Candace shares her eventful weekend at Ella 7s handing out three red cards, while the team chats colts trials and the Mod Squad developments.With International Women’s Day just passed, the pod also highlights the incredible women shaping rugby from volunteers and board members to coaches and match officials.Around the world of rugby, the Six Nations trophy catching fire, and new player welfare measures regulating contact training in Premiership Rugby.The crew dive into the Six Nations action, including prop magic in Ireland v Wales, Angus Gardner’s management in Scotland v France, yellow cards under pressure and captain communication.In Super Rugby, they unpack the player challenges in Waratahs v Hurricanes, lightning delays in Brumbies v Reds, and why match officials were right to celebrate the final decision.Plus:SVNS standouts including Archie Saunders scoring on debutGolden Whistle- Angus GardnerReferee appointmentsLaw of the Week – Law 12.9 - Kick off and restart kicks Captain Chat from the Scotland v France match#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube:https://youtu.be/AoQaJrSfalkInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back with news from Kiama 7s and highlighting referee performances across Super RugbyThey unpack the latest in match official news and global rugby talking points.World Rugby’s Shape of the Game update- what it means, what’s changing (and what’s not)The new Blue Card protocolSpeed: “Use It” at the ruck, and the role of Game Management Guidelines (GMGs).Plus: Six Nations appointments, captain chats done right, long advantages, scrum control, tip tackles, and why interactions matter more than ever.Including standout moments from Ben O'Keeffe in the mud, James Doleman earning our Golden Whistle, and sharp management calls across the round.#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 to chat about rugby news and the 6 Nations.After some rugby news and highlighting some funny referee moments from the week.The 6 Nations takes priority as the main segment with Andre getting injured and Pierre stepping in the pitch, it’s so impressive on how elite referees keep so calm and cool under pressure.Rugby Trends:Letting it breathe at the ruckHustling maul6 Nations still with unnecessary stoppageGolden Whistle: Mathew Carley- 50th Test CapAppointments: Super Rugby Pacific + Local appointmentsLaw of the week: Law 9: 9.7/ 9.11/ 9.17Further reading on jumping into a tackle: https://89rugby.substack.com/p/to-dive-or-not-to-dive-and-what-can?r=1gyg8t&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: https://youtu.be/Z-JpnlrJjNsInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

Candace, Rob and Pearcey meet up again to review some trends within rugby and 6 Nations round two.Rugby News:Whats up with the new Super Rugby Referee kit ?World Rugby Women’s in Rugby Career Program 2026Heat Policy - used in Force vs Moana matchTrends:Jumping into triesHOLLIE HOLLIE HOLLIEScrum penaltiesForward passesReferee down- Jordie’s pancake momentRecognize and Remove- well done- Paul WilliamsGolden Whistle: Hollie Davidson & Paul WilliamsAppointments: 6Nations, Women’s 6Nations, Pacific 4, Wallaroos International and Local appointments#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: https://youtu.be/LEh5Fa-t4hsInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

Candace, Rob and Pearcey are reunited to go through some exciting law innovations coming through Super Rugby.They reflect on Singapore 7s and penalty tries in 7s matches.Perth 7s and 6 Nations on this weekend. Rob gives low down of appointments.The main segment focuses on the Super Rugby Law Innovations. With Candace and Pearcey voting green, amber and red for their favourites.#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: https://youtu.be/hG5-McVJdAoInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

Candace and Rob this week with all the updated rugby news and trends in the game.They chat about the below:Sara Cox - retirementTarsh Ganley - refereeing the PWRGrow the Rose DevelopmentMacron - kit for refereesRugby Trends- the ruck/ box kick - reviewing offside line getting closer and positioningEnding the pod with a UK prem video review that links with the law of the week: 18:2 dGolden Whistle: Natarsha GanleyCaptain Chat: Andrea PiardiListen more about Natarsha Ganley move to the UK on the Advantage over podcast: https://rugbyreferee.net/2025/12/04/podcast-tarsh-ganley-on-her-rwc-experiences-and-how-shes-heading-to-the-pwr/#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: https://youtu.be/rx2Iy6VKNrIInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

The pod is back for season 3 ! Candace, Rob and Pearcey unite with reviewing some rugby news and trends.Rugby news:2026 Law Book is out !6 Nations Appointments and debutsRugby World Cup Draw - inside scoop from RobHSBC 7s - in Cape TownLower tackle height trial - U20 ChampionshipWhistles & WhiteboardsUK Prem: Sliding off feed for a tackle2nd rowers punch-up Head on head- 20 min red card - Christophe remorse Golden Whistle: Maggie Cogger-Orr Law of the week: 20:15- Penalty and free-kickDiscussing further 20:17 #PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS