Play On : the rugby referee podcast

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

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

Candace and Rob are back this week with the Play On Pod: This week, they break down a huge slate of rugby!From the announcement of Ireland vs Japan rugby match in Newcastle to the chaos and clarity across the Women's Six Nations and Pacific Four Series.Topics covered:• TMO drama, double movements & those tight try-line calls• Yellow cards galore (and when upright just doesn’t cut it)• Ref comms gold- yes, including “on-field decision… we don’t have one”• ANZAC Day test moments, big calls under pressure & elite game management• Super Rugby madness- from in-goal brain fades to law clarifications mid-matchPlus- Stat Central is popping OFF with Super Round selling out!Law of the Week: 6.9 (f) - Match officials#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS

The Play On Pod is back with Candace, Rob and Pearcey- reviewing weather chaos hitting rugby across the globe.Lightning in Sydney, tornadoes in Kansas City, and comms challenges in Perth- testing both players and match officials in all conditions.Rob unpacks the latest World Rugby rankings shifts, plus a crackdown on dangerous tackles in Super Rugby Pacific, before diving into the HSBC SVNS Series. With a record-breaking milestones, and even robot cheerleaders, it was a weekend that had everything.The Women’s Six Nations delivered big moments- dominant England, maul-heavy contests, key referee decisions, and some tough calls around repeated infringements and head contact.Plus, a quirky finish in Ireland v Italy with no final whistle despite full-time scenes unfolding.Over in the Pacific Four Series, weather delays struck again ahead of a blockbuster ANZAC clash.Stat Central highlights a historic milestone- the most capped female SVNS referee of all time, surpassing Alhambra Nievas.In Super Rugby Pacific, we break down controversial obstruction calls, charge downs and quick taps ! Some seriously sharp decision-making.Golden Whistle: Kat Roche for a standout achievement tied to this week’s stat milestone.#PlayOnPod@Rob_McKay@play_on_pod@robgmckayYouTube: https://youtu.be/W3ibcVLIcz0Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS