Play On : the rugby referee podcast

Candace and Rob are focusing on all things WXV! 🏉

They run through some regular general rugby news with a final reminder to get those RWC 2027 volunteer applications in before the window closes.

Then it’s all things WXV, with plenty for the match-official nerds to unpack: England vs New Zealand, a dramatic late missed penalty, yellow-card decisions, lineout height and tackle-release moments. They also break down Scotland vs Australia, the impact of the wind, breakdown management and Australia’s improving game management.

Plus: Wales vs USA, France vs Canada, lineout chaos...

Crazy weekend in Oz! 🇦🇺🏉

The Wallabies take on South Africa in a wild Nelson Mandela Plate clash packed with TMO drama, yellow cards, replacement confusion, captain chats and a second half that seemed to last forever!

Candace, Rob and Pearcey break down the big officiating moments, ruck speed, offside, the penalty try, high tackles, TMO interventions and plenty of referee talking points.

Plus, Stat Central and this week’s Law of the Week: Law 12.5(a) - Kick-off and restart kicks

Four yellow cards, TMO chaos and a LOT to unpa...

This week on Play On Pod 🏉🎙️ -a HUGE round of WXV Test rugby!

Candace and Rob break down the wild England v Canada 26–26 draw, TMO moments, cards, breakdown battles and plenty of referee talking points.

Plus, England v Canada, Scotland v NZ and Ireland v USA all get the Play On treatment.

Some important Ultimate 7s chat & 7s refereeing ahead of the Rugby Australia National Community Match Official Webinar, WXV updates, RWC2027 volunteering, the legacy of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the latest appointments.

WXV Disciplinary update- from...

Play On Pod is back with another packed episode of rugby, refereeing, and match-official chat! 🏉

Candace and Rob break down the latest Tests, including England v Wallaroos, Scotland v Canada, and South Africa v the All Blacks, with plenty of discussion around TMO interventions, charge-downs, comms issues, water carriers, and some interesting referee moments.

They also dive into SVNS Ultimate 7s, referee card-pocket hacks, the latest rankings, Nations Cup fixtures, and our Stat Central numbers.

Plus, they look ahead to the Reds v Tahs clash in Roma, highlight some exciting upcom...

The Pod is back with Candace, Rob and Pearcey talking about Grand Final chaos to international tests, this episode is packed! Candace survives three seasons in one day, Pearcey gets behind the mic, and Rob brings the U16 Grand Final drama.

Then it’s into the big rugby and match-official stories: the 4.5-size WXV ball, Ultimate 7s, LA28 qualification, referees getting back into season prep, RA webinars and the Dallas Harlequins referee-abuse fallout.

On the field, we unpack a fascinating weekend of Tests from Rugby Greatest Rivalry to Australia vs the Pumas ! They deli...

This week on Play On Rob and Peacey catch up on the latest rugby news before diving into some fascinating Tests: Springboks soar just enough as Wallabies win and Chile champs Uruguay by knockout.

They fly through a crazy weekend of rugby, breaking down the capers in Cape Town and the Wallabies' heroics in Jujuy. From Angus Gardner’s scrum management, lineout challenges, TMO moments, game management and plenty of post-try referee chat.

They also discuss the less than best rough and tumble in the Chile XV v Uruguay XV clash, making hard wor...

Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back with another deep dive into the world of rugby officiating! 🏉

Play On Pod catch up after the Grand Final, look at the latest match-official news, and break down the big talking points from the Men’s South Africa v New Zealand and Women’s New Zealand v Australia.

They touch on penalties, breakdowns, cards, scrum decisions and some fascinating referee moments.

Plus: upcoming appointments, stats, trends, Law of the Week- has two related to law 12- kick off and restart kicks.

Golden...

Play On Pod mixes it up a little this week in a short, sharp, punchy episode.

They Cheik out the new coach of the 2027 Waratahs men, and check in on some sensational stats and Sniper City, and celebrate some awards.

It's also the business end of the season as teams head into finals, playing for big money cheques, with everything on the line. Match officials - are you ready?

They go majorly prime in Stat Central, have an unprecedented Golden Whistle scenario and throw up a challenge in Law...

Play On is back- with Candace and Rob have a packed episode of rugby news, match-official milestones and plenty of talking points. They discuss Wes Thomas’ devastating neck injury and the GoFundMe supporting him (https://gofund.me/e0b969c4b), the Sione Fukofuka Wallaroos coaching saga, the special haka in Durban, and the newly released Super Rugby AUS draw.

Captain sent off? Candace and Rob kick off with the big question: how do you process a YC or RC for the skipper?

On the whistle, Jimmy is closing in on an incredible 800th...

Candace, Rob and Pearcey are celebrating 100 episodes of the Play On Podcast!

Join them as they look back at the most popular episodes and social moments before diving into the latest rugby news.

They discuss new research into head injuries in women's rugby, USA law variations, and a key decision from the Super Rugby Women's Championship Final.

Rob covers the latest referee appointments, share our Stat Central update, and finish with our Law of the Week, explaining the scrum mark under Law 19.2.

Thanks to all the listeners for...

This week on Play On Pod, Candace and Rob cover one of the biggest weeks in rugby officiating and the women's game.

Super Rugby Women's Championship Final between the Waratahs and Auckland, unpack the newly announced WXV competition structure, and discuss World Rugby's $90 million Impact Beyond programme, including major investment in Australia and the Pacific and its focus on growing women's and girls' rugby.

They highlight Rugby Australia's new post-match mental wellbeing initiative for match officials, the latest disciplinary news involving Tomás Albornoz, and share some inspiring referee stories from Eden Park and F...

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 Cent...

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...

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 m...

It's another packed episode of Play On!

Candace and Rob cover the latest rugby news from around the globe, including the Behind the Whistle panel ahead of the Wallabies vs Ireland Test, Australian Schools Championships, and the countdown to Rugby World Cup 2027.

They dive into Rugby Australia's new zero-tolerance Match Official Abuse Directive.

Unpack a huge week of law changes with four Global Law Trials moved into full law.

Rob chats about BaaBaas refereeing, shares the latest Appointments and Stat Central, in the lead up to massive 14...

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 m...

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...

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 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: Na...

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...

Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back! With Super Series venues to wild on-field drama, this episode covers it all! They catch up on Cowra, Mudgee, Holroyd, and Primrose Park before diving into general rugby news.

The Naughty Corner: shocking bans hit Georgia with an 11-year suspension for former captain Merab Sharikadze, while verbal abuse and dangerous tackles land players and even coaches in hot water. SRP action saw red cards and new combinations shaking up the competition.

The countdown to the RWC hits 500 days!

Super Rugby highlights feature bold strategies, dark...

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.

Talking Points:

#Play...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:

We dive into a nich...

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...

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...

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...

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:

Golden Whistle: Mathew Carley- 50th Test Cap

Appointments: Su...

Candace, Rob and Pearcey meet up again to review some trends within rugby and 6 Nations round two.

Rugby News:

Trends:

Golden Whistle: Hollie Davidson & Paul Williams

Appointments: 6Nations, Women’s 6Nations, Pacific 4, Wallaroos International and Local appointments

#Pla...

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...

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

Instagram...

Candace and Rob this week with all the updated rugby news and trends in the game.

They chat about the below:

Rugby 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...

The pod is back for season 3 ! Candace, Rob and Pearcey unite with reviewing some rugby news and trends.

Rugby news:

UK Prem:

Golden Whistle: Maggie Cogger-Orr

Law of the week: 20:15- Penalty and free-kick

Discussing...

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...

The Play On Pod is back with Part 2 with Hannah Everitt !

Topics covered:

#PlayOnPod

@Rob_McKay

@play_on_pod

@robgmckay

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS...

Excited that to have a UK guest on the pod — Hannah Everitt- who is a trailblazer in rugby leadership.

Hannah Everitt achievement's:

The 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...