Play On : the rugby referee podcast

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 upcoming match officials, and finish with Law of the Week: Closing the Gap at the Lineout . 📖 #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/privacy for more information.

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 deliberate knock-ons, penalty tries, advantage, player input, mauls and plenty of stoppages- plus dive into the latest Super Rugby Australia and Ultimate 7s law variations . And, of course, appointments and the Golden Whistle round out another big episode 🏉🎙️ #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/privacy for more information.

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 work for the match officials and even more for the judiciary. Law of the Week (19.10-12) tackles the often-misunderstood “brake foot” while Captain’s Chat takes us inside a memorable Angus Gardner scrum intervention. I: @play_on_pod T: @Rob_McKay YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Whistle celebration as Aurélie Groizeleau will reach 50 Tests come Canada vs England match ! Follow and subscribe here: I: @play_on_pod T: @Rob_McKay YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 of the Week. Rankings, trends and the golden girl Wallaroos also feature in a tight but action packed episode. #PlayOnPod Follow and subscribe here: I: @play_on_pod I: @robgmckay T: @Rob_McKay S: @robgmckay YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 game , while we dive into the Tests rugby from Amatosero’s red-card suspension and the Head Contact Process to Argentina v South Africa’s slow-burn finish and Scotland v New Zealand’s clash of styles. Plus: tech zones , trainers getting a little too involved, early shifts at the lineout, appointment news, and our Law of the Week looking at the latest NPC and Super Rugby AUS law trials. And, of course, we finish with the Golden Whistle- Angus Gardner with 100th Shute Shield match 🏉🎙️ #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/privacy for more information.

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 being part of this exciting milestone- first 100 episodes! University of Sydney Match Official Survey: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=H9KLFPAETF7ERLP7 #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/privacy for more information.

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 Fiji. On the field, they review the extraordinary Canada vs Zimbabwe Test, featuring a lightning delay, communications failure and a TMO decision made via mobile phone, before breaking down the key talking points from Super Rugby Women's, including Fiji's controversial try against the Waratahs. Plus, they answer your questions on scrum dominance, and finish with our Appointments segments. University of Sydney Match Official Survey: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=H9KLFPAETF7ERLP7 #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/privacy for more information.

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 Central, a topical Law of the Week, and plenty more to boot. #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/privacy for more information.

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 asking: Can you score a 50:22 from a free kick? University of Sydney Match Official Survey: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=H9KLFPAETF7ERLP7 #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/privacy for more information.

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 matches from England v South Africa, New Zealand v France, Australia v Ireland and USA v Portugal, breaking down the key referee decisions, bunker reviews, yellow cards, deliberate knock-ons, tackle consistency and some fascinating moments that had everyone talking. Finishing up with Rob’s Appointment announcements ! #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/privacy for more information.

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 14hr full binge worthy rugby weekend. #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/privacy for more information.

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 match officials heading to Townsville. Plus, Candace puts Rob and Pearcey to the test with another Law of the Week challenge... can you guess where in the law book? #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/privacy for more information.

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 @robgmckay YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 @robgmckay YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Pazani Referee retro jerseys, and a reminder that match officials can challenge players without making themselves the main character. #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/privacy for more information.

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 @robgmckay YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 arts moves, and last-minute chaos. Women’s Rugby & 6 Nations: Drama in Italy v Wales, Ireland v Scotland, and France v England. From tricky tackles to disallowed tries, records are broken, streaks extended and heroes emerge (Red Roses). UK Premiership & European Finals- Appointments: Wild scores, chaotic scrums, scuffles, and players keeping the game going despite losing teeth! Rob breaks down refereeing moments, key appointments, and the upcoming Challenge and Champions Cup clashes. Law of the Week: Back to basics with the “Knock Forward” Definition explained. #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/privacy for more information.

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 variations Talking Points: U20: South Africa v New Zealand red card review W6N: key calls from England v Italy, France v Scotland, and Ireland v Wales Latest W6N and SRP appointments Ref Retro mystery jersey challenge Captain’s Chat featuring Angus managing the #9s #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/privacy for more information.

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 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 Focus Plenty 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 elite Appointments & Golden Whistle: Big shoutout to Jess Ling- W6N debut and this week’s Golden Whistle winner. Law of the Week Maul definitions- because apparently we still need them (thanks, Moana). Candace Quickies making another cameo. #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/privacy for more information.