Play On : the rugby referee podcast
This podcast will cover women's and men’s rugby matches from a referee perspective. To show an insight for people of the complexities of the game but also the fun and interesting side of the sport we all love!How to find us and get in touch: #PlayOnPod @play_on_pod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tough Calls & Captain Chats
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#Play...
Odd Socks & Big Calls
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 Field
Super Rugby delivered a mixed bag.
Reds v Brumbies saw Frost pushing skyscraper status a...
Chaos In Goal & Calm in the Middle
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...
Yellow Cards & Wild Conditions
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-he...
Women’s Rugby Rising- W6N, PAC4 & Ref Trends
Play On Pod - W6N Returns and PAC4 Chaos
Women’s rugby is flying right now- Candace, Rob and Pearcey unpack a huge opening round of W6N and PAC4, with drama, big moments and some seriously sharp officiating- with Aimee Barrett - reaching her 50th Test !
From last-minute yellow cards and wild finishes, to a try scorer dodging a pigeon (yep, really), there was no shortage of talking points.
Off the field, the game keeps evolving. Rugby Australia backs the future with new women’s pathways, while tech like S...
Guest Pod: Chair of World Rugby - Dr. Brett Robinson
The Play On Pod fire questions at the big boss of World Rugby! This weeks special guest is Chair of World Rugby- Dr Brett Robinson.
The Play On Pod keep it sharp, fun, and match official focused (as usual).
They cover it all with Brett- from life in the top job to the future of refereeing, TMO consistency, and law changes shaping the game.
There’s chat around the rise of match officials as personalities (Hollie Davidson), the growth of the women’s game, and what’s next after the success...
Pancakes & Penalties
This week on Play On Pod, Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back. They break down rugby’s biggest talking points. From props adding kicking to their toolkit to the Six Nations Player of the Tournament debate.
Over in Super Rugby, there’s plenty to unpack:
A controversial referee collision in Highlanders vs Hurricanes- accidental or avoidable?Positioning, game awareness, and how referees can (and should) adjustA bizarre conversion decision that raised eyebrowsScrum and maul moments in the Brumbies clash that highlight ongoing technical challenges in the set pieceWe dive into a nich...
6 Nations Final Round : High Tackles & Higher Stakes
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...
Rugby Ref Round-Up: Six Nations, SVNS & Super Rugby
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 Premiersh...
Mud, Management & GMGs
Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back with news from Kiama 7s and highlighting referee performances across Super Rugby
They 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 protocol
Speed: “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...
Pierre On The Pitch + 6 Nations (3rd Week)
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 Cap
Appointments: Su...
6 Nations & Hollie Davidson
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 Williams
Appointments: 6Nations, Women’s 6Nations, Pacific 4, Wallaroos International and Local appointments
#Pla...
Perth 7s Highlights & 6Nations
Candace, Rob and Pearcey meet up again to discuss some rugby news, Perth 7s highlights and of course the 6 Nations.
Perth 7s:
-French player- very dangerous tackle
-AJ speedy boots
-ARs involved during tournament
Rugby News:
-Bundee Aki backchat
-Anzac Day test for womens rugby
-World Rugby Rankings
6 Nations:
-Rob keeps score on the pods predictions
-AR running inside touches the ball.
-Italy v Scotland- RAIN
-Player in the way...
Super Rugby Law Innovations - 2026
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
@robgmckay
YouTube: https://youtu.be/hG5-McVJdAo
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Retiring Referee + Box Kicking
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 positioning
Ending the pod with a UK prem video review that links with the law of the week: 18:2 d
Golden Whistle: Natarsha Ganley
Captain Chat: Andrea Piardi
Listen more...
2026 Pod: Rugby News + UK Prem
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 remorseGolden Whistle: Maggie Cogger-Orr
Law of the week: 20:15- Penalty and free-kick
Discussing...
Rapid Pod: Maul + Lineout To Maul Set Up
Candace, Rob and Pearcey bring back the all popular ‘Candace’s quickie’ to discuss Maul set-up.
We discuss from the definition of a Maul—Law 16.
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...
Guest Pod- Part 2: Hannah Everitt- Tackle Height Law & Referee Abuse
The Play On Pod is back with Part 2 with Hannah Everitt !
Topics covered:
Rugby culture and that with refereeing Set piece in UK vs Australia- from game it self and how its refereed Referee abuse Tackle height law Questions and review from the Rugby World Cup- Women’s Growth of referees from after the World Cup ?Quick fire questions#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS...
Guest Pod- Part 1: Hannah Everitt- Deputy President and refereeing in London
Excited that to have a UK guest on the pod — Hannah Everitt- who is a trailblazer in rugby leadership.
Hannah Everitt achievement's:
London Society of Referees’ first female regional manager in 2019 London Society first female President in 2027The focus on this pod is on how Hannah got into refereeing and becoming president.
Structure of the society and how it looks like for the levels, appointments and being a regional manager during a pandemic.
Touching on new referees and junior referees. Also match offical abuse and club...
A Gouging Disgrace
Candace, Rob and Pearcey meet up for one of the final weekly pods before the end of the year !
The past weekend of rugby had it all- from eye gouging to referees being tackled we reviewed the 15s and 7s matches.
Main Segments:
Dubai 7s- poor AJ Jacob’s Referee coaching/ MODing in real time Wales Vs South Africa- eye gouge + referee Luc RamosRonan O’Gara - red card links with our law of the week …Rugby news:
Wayne Barnes returns to refereeing ?RWC draw (get excited) Gilber...Cards, Cards, Cards - players do better
Candace, Rob and Pearcey meet up again to discussed some exciting rugby news and review the remaining of the Autumn International matches.
Dubai 7s starts, awards for the NSW Champions of Sports and new Gilbert ball.
Main segment:
England v Argentina - late tackleLuke Pearce - speaking french Show match- Ireland vs South Africa Hollie - Wales vs New ZealandGolden Whistle: Hollie Davidson
https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS
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@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
...
Yellow + Red Cards and Eddie Jones being Eddie
Candace, Rob and Peacey are back again with some Autumn Internationals.
Discussing Eddie’s press conference to the National Championship. The rugby news never stops.
Main segment:
Italy vs South Africa - referee being sucked in Wales vs Japan - cards = no impact England vs New Zealand - TMO sweeping Karl Dickson refereed Ireland vs AustraliaEnding with Appointments :)
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@Rob_McKay
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Stripping The Ball & Tackle vs Ruck
Rob and Candace on the pod this week reviewing the Autumn Internationals.
So much Rugby Mach Official News:
Men’s World RankingsBeyond the Whistle- RFLNSW Champions of Sports Awards — Ella Goldsmith Holly Wood talking about balancing refereeing and motherhoodMain segment: Autumn Internationals
Stripping - in the Italy vs Australia matchGus had busy day with France vs South Africa With Red and Yellow cards given.All Blacks 1st try vs the ScotsAppointments for those Autumn Internationals
Captain Chat: Angus Gardner : from the Fran...
Off The Mark & Touching On Touch Law
This week- Candace, Rob and Pearcey review matches from the weekend. With the UK Prem on a break and Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament is in full swing.
While Beauden Barrett steps out, Candace Barritt steps into the wrong park.
The focus this week is on England vs Australia & Ireland vs All Blacks rugby matches.
Law of the week: Touch Law: 18.2 d.— Ben O’Keef...
Loitering & When Is The Ball Out?
Candace, Rob and Pearcey meet up to review the rugby news this week and some continued trends we are seeing in game and how it affects match officials.
Highlighting some fun rugby news: R360 and referees responses, Sarah Cox on the Rugby Rodeo podcast, Orange card and Test appointments.
Main segment:
Offside matrixWhen is the ball out?Christophe TMO call in the Saints matchJapan vs Australia - more rugbyLaw of the week: Offside and onside in open play: 10.1 d.
#PlayOnPod
<...Scrum Feed & Autumn Appointments
The three have reunited after Pearcey long deserved break.
Starting off with some rugby news with awards season and appointments.
Notable appointments and covering off the hot house for match officials in Dubai for the World Cup Qualification Tournament.
Main segment:
Managing the scrum feed- The FrenchMatch Official positioning with faster rucks Picking up a ball at ruck vs at a tackleGolden Whistle: Karl Dickson
Law Of The Week: 19:15 f - Scrum
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@Rob_McKay
<...Rapid Pod: Pre Game With Match Official Developer / Referee Coach
First ever of a Rapid Pod !
Candace, Rob and Pearcey discuss in short time frame what you should cover before your match.
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@Rob_McKay
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YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_O...
Player Load Guidelines + Spirit Of The Game
Candace and Rob meet up to review some rugby news and the last of the Bledisloe Cup.
Rugby News:
World Rugby Board agrees on new player load guidelines Rugby360British and Irish Lions- Women’sSegments:
Bledisloe CupSouth Africa vs Argentina Referee moments Spirit of the game readingListener question: seatbelt tackles - how do referees mange this within the high tackle framework ?
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@Rob_McKay
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@robgmckay
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Pl...
Women’s Rugby World Cup Final & Goal Line Drop Outs
Candace and Rob meet up this week as Pearcey takes a holiday. Don’t worry we still covered all things rugby/ referee related
Rugby news: Referee + Coach + Player of the year awards
Main segments:
Golden Whistle: Hollie Davison
Law of the week: Kick-off and restart kicks, 12.12b
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@Rob_McKay
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Women’s Rugby World Cup - Semis Review
The three - Candace, Rob and Pearcey- meet up again to discuss some rugby news and all things Rugby World Cup.
Rugby news:
Bledisloe CupWorld Rugby - players of the yearWXV Global series changeACT- assaultMain topic:
Semi finals review: England vs France & New Zealand vs CanadaStats from the tournamentMatch Official Appointments for Finals & Bronze matchLaw of the week: Line-out Law- joining from the receiver (but no exchange)
Captain chat: Maggie Cogger-Orr : to the front row
Homework: Corner posts...
Captain Management & Calling A Mark
The three are back (Candace, Rob, Pearcey) to discuss Rugby new & World Cup Semi finals
Topics:
1) Abby Dow crochet whistle
2) Bledisloe
3) KENTA
4) World Cup stats
Appointments for the Semi Finals
Rugby World Cup:
1) South Africa maul
2)French player biting - sanction
Main segment:
Wallabies v Argentina
1) Captain management
2) Storming ref room
3) Free kick - charge down
4) Calling a mark
Law of the we...
Women’s Rugby World Cup Stats- Week 3 + FK to PK at Scrum
What a week of rugby! Candace, Rob and Pearcey gather to discuss all things rugby/match official related.
Candace and Pearcey- reflecting on Central West Grand Final
Rugby News- Australia debt paid off, leading clinics in USA, guest panel events and more World Cup Qualifier matches.
Rugby World Cup:
Spain trick playFiji wins and ends the game strangely Stats of the games vs previous World Cup Who’s into the Quarters ?Big Games:
Wallabies vs Argentina: FK to PK at the scrumSpringboks vs New Ze...Finals Season & Women’s Rugby World Cup- Week 2
Candace, Rob and Pearcey meet up to review another exciting weekend of the Rugby World Cup !
The three review their own matches and reflect on some finals competitions in Sydney & Country.
Rugby news:
Campaign Red Roses- For the Girls (rfu_refs - on Instagram for more details) French Top 14 - using the orange card ?Rugby World Cup- Week 2:
Fiji - many cards and busy TMO Wallaroos vs USA South Africa vs Italy QualifiersCandace highlights findings from the Rugby World Cup press conference. <...
Women’s Rugby World Cup -Opening Weekend Recap
The three match officials (Candace, Rob and Pearcey) meet up again to discuss all things Rugby World Cup related.
Rugby news: exploring World Rugby rankings, International Rugby Match Officials (IRMO) new General Manager and Nic White gets presented referee jersey.
Main Segment: World Cup
Opening match: England V USAFrance v Italy: simultaneous groundingMatch official composureLaw of the week: In-Goal- 21.4 + 21.5 + 21.17
Have read on Keith Lewis- World Rugby Law Coordinator article on- Open Play Pod Lift
https://rugbyreferee.net/2025/07/28/refereeing-the-open-play-pod-lift...
Wallabies Win & Rugby World Cup Weekend
The three meet up again to discuss the Wallabies Win over the Springboks !
Firstly wanted to thank our host Pearcey for sharing his story regarding an incident that happened after refereeing what was a great game of rugby.
Main segment:
Referee review of Wallabies matchWomen’s World Cup excitement Rugby World Cup - bunker and FPRO Flashing mouth guardsLaw of the week: Ruck - 15.16
Listen to our guest pods to know more about the World Cup from a match official point of view: Ella Go...
Guest Pod: Ella Goldsmith- Rugby World Cup prep & Rapid Fire Questions
Guest Pod this week is all about the Women’s World Cup, fellow NSW Rugby Referee about to head to England to represent Australia- Ella Goldsmith!
The Play On hosts ask:
-How did you get into refereeing ?
-Tell us more about your role for Rugby Australia ?
-Tell us about the processes leading up to RWC 2025.
-How has your fitness changed from preparing for a World Cup?
Plus more ….
The interview finishes with the Play On ‘rapid fire’ questions.
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3rd Lions Test & Classic Wallabies
The three are back again talking about the 3rd (final) Lions Test.
The main highlight is our host - Nathan Pearce - refereeing the 2nd half of the Classic Wallabies vs Classic Lions match.
Main segment:
Nika control of players and Lions matchLighting - strikes twiceSheehan suspensionHip drop tacklesCaptain chat: overheard from a Central West Referee
White boots vs black boots for referees ?
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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British & Irish Lions Test Review
Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back this week discussing their match official point of view of the Lions Tests (1&2)
Rugby news and update on some homework on whether the ball mid air from passing from ruck is covered by law. (Thanks Rassie)
Main segment: Lions Tests
-ruck breakdown
-not releasing the ball after a tackle
-entering players clearing out at a ruck
-Wayne Barnes articles of the Lions test
Law of the week: Tackle- 14:15 a
Law Clarification: off side...
Guest Pod: Maggie Cogger-Orr Rapid Fire Questions
Guest Pod this week is all about the Women’s World Cup, fellow Canadian now representing New Zealand- Maggie Cogger-Orr !
Maggie answers the Play On Pod’s rapid (not so rapid) quick fire questions
What is your favourite law to best reffing story. Maggie tells us about her personal refereeing mantra or motto.
This and much more with the lead up to Womens World Cup.
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@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
Hosted on Acast. See acas...
Guest Pod: Maggie Cogger-Orr : Women’s Rugby World Cup & Game Prep From 7s To 15s Rugby
Guest Pod this week is not Lions related but all about the Women’s World Cup, fellow Canadian now representing New Zealand- Maggie Cogger-Orr !
The three discuss the below topics:
-How did you get into refereeing ?
-Tell us about your international debut at the Women’s 6Nations?
-Tell us more New Zealand Rugby Women’s Referee Development Manger?
-How does your game prep change from 7s to 15s?
-What was it like receiving the news about being selected for the World Cup?
This and mu...
