Estelle Whaiapu: Life as a TMO, World Rugby Comms, and Baywide Referee Development (Ep 8)

This week we’re joined by Estelle Whaiapu, a Bay of Plenty match official and World Rugby Television Match Official (TMO), previously recognised by us as a Whistler of the Week and a key contributor within our Referee Management Group, including leading strategy development for the club.Estelle takes us inside the world of high-performance officiating and what it’s really like being a TMO and Foul Play Review Officer (FPRO) at top level, from how the refereeing team prepares, to the discipline of only speaking when you have video evidence, to building connection and trust so the on-field team can make fast, calm decisions under pressure.We also recap the week in Bay of Plenty refereeing:weekend reflections (including more red cards and a citing), plus a Baywide rundown of what’s happening around the traps; a strong Baywide education night with Broncos, connection activities, and a review of tackle/ruck/maul pillars; referee news including Sanix updates and a Rotorua Boys’ result, and discussion on World Rugby’s trial of a slightly smaller ball for women’s competitions;and we name this week’s Whistler of the Week: Elias Owen, stepping up to referee his first Super 8 match during the school day.We finish with a look ahead to a busy week of appointments across Baywide rugby, upcoming education sessions (including scrum focus), and the continued push to bring more people into refereeing through associate referee courses and school programmes.Hosts: Sam Fellows, Jamie Bell, Sean CurraghGuest: Estelle Whaiapu #RugbyReferees #MatchOfficials #RugbyUnion #TMO #BayOfPlentyRugby #RefereeDevelopment