Rugby Ref Ben O'Keefe on Abuse from Chiefs Fans following Crusaders 2023 Win **RE-RELEASE**

Dr. Ben O'Keeffe is one of the best rugby referees in the world—and he's also a fully qualified doctor, specializing in ophthalmology.This episode first dropped in 2023, shortly after Ben made headlines for the intense backlash (including death threats) he received after officiating the Super Rugby Final between the Crusaders and the Chiefs. Since the Super Rugby 2025 final is again between these two fierce rivals, I thought I'd re-release the episode ICYMI the first time round.In this conversation, we unpack Ben’s unique double life as a top-level rugby referee and an eye surgeon. We talk about his journey through medicine, his passion for the game, and how he deals with pressure, criticism, and the spotlight that comes with both careers.I originally invited Ben on the podcast after his honest Instagram post went viral—calling out some of the horrific messages he received post-match. But beyond the drama, he's just a bloody inspiring Kiwi, doing incredible things with humility and focus.If you missed this episode the first time around, now’s the perfect time to catch up.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bens Dual Career02:55 The Journey Through Medicine05:48 Transitioning from Medicine to Refereeing09:10 Balancing Rugby and Medicine12:00 The Life of a Professional Referee14:52 Understanding the Game and Its Rules18:00 Decision Making Under Pressure20:52 The Impact of Refereeing Decisions23:56 The Role of a Referee in the Game27:09 Refereeing as a Career Choice30:00 Training and Preparation for Referees33:01 The Importance of Experience in Refereeing36:16 Understanding Referee-Player Dynamics39:25 Accountability in Refereeing43:38 Review Processes and Continuous Improvement49:14 The Impact of Social Media on Referees54:57 Navigating Public Criticism and Mental Health01:01:01 The Role of Support and Community in Refereeing01:10:44 Referee Relationships with Players01:14:36 The Dynamics of Refereeing01:16:20 Nervousness and Preparation Before Games01:19:34 Emotional Challenges and Accountability01:22:21 Learning from Mistakes and Apologies01:23:49 Controversial Decisions and Their Impact01:24:51 Weird Rules and Laws in Rugby01:26:36 The Importance of the Whistle01:28:56 Referee Milestones and Achievements01:30:59 World Cup Aspirations and Team Dynamics01:33:45 Media Attention and Public Perception01:36:29 The Future of Refereeing and Safety Concerns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.