Luke Pearce interview: Social Media and ‘Big Moments’

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There is no doubt that Luke Pearce has become one of the most popular referees in the world. There is even a montage video on YouTube titled ‘5 minutes of Luke Pearce being Luke Pearce!’ with over 170,000 views (see below). He is cherished for giving clear and concise explanations and letting play continue. Pearce […] READ MORE


Strategic Breakdown Law variations used by Super Rugby Aotearoa

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While strategic to new breakdown law variations, the recent changes to the ruck have been received positively. Super Rugby Aotearoa wants to test these innovations, to judge how successful the law variations will be taken to by players and referees. Last Word on Rugby’s resident rugby referee, Scott MacLean, has cast his eye over breakdown […] READ MORE


Referees notebook; Red cards and RWC Head Contact directives

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By and large the referees – since the opening round of matches – have implemented the new head contact directives released by World Rugby, to the letter. Last Word on Rugby’s resident referee Scott MacLean looks at the decisions to date at the Rugby World Cup (RWC) and how/why they might have come to their […] READ MORE


TMO to confirm red cards for dangerous tackles

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Dangerous, high tackles and the use of the Television Match Official (TMO) system have been a controversial topic dominating rugby headlines for over the past decade. Stricter laws were enforced in May this year with World Rugby releasing a Decision-making Framework for High Tackles to ensure refereeing decisions were consistent and accurate. However, calls have […] READ MORE


World Rugby Refereeing needs more Continuity and Consistency

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It seems that every week we are talking more and more about refereeing decisions. More and more games appear to hang on a blow of the referees’ whistle.  Be this a sending or a penalty awarded in the dying moments of a game, the talking points after a weekend’s rugby are now more than ever […] READ MORE


In Defence of the High Tackle Laws

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Much has been made of the high tackle laws and the way in which they are being interpreted. Controversial red cards given out to George Smith and Will Spencer have caused uproar in the rugby world. Coaches and players alike have claimed the game has gone soft and the laws are ruining the game. However, […] READ MORE


Experienced Super Rugby Referee Panel for 2018

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With Super Rugby kicking off in the next few weeks preparations are well underway for the 15 sides but they aren’t alone in that, with SANZAAR’s Super Rugby panel also deep into getting ready for the season ahead. The contraction of the competition also means a reduction in the number of referees on the panel […] READ MORE