Bay of Plenty Referees Podcast

After a short break, Sam Fellows and Jamie Bell are back to catch up on everything happening in the Bay of Plenty refereeing community.In this episode:🏆 A full recap of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Awards Night, including all major award winners and service milestones.🎙️ Recognition of the outstanding contributions of referees, coaches and volunteers across the region.🌍 International and provincial appointment news, including WXV selections, NPC, FPC and Heartland Championship appointments.👏 Congratulations to James Dolman and Maggie Cogger-Orr on significant first-class refereeing milestones.📋 Secondary school finals review and our Whistlers of the Week, recognising the match officials who took charge of key finals across the Bay of Plenty.🏉 The week ahead, featuring:National Under-15 Invitational TournamentRugby by the BeachBay of Plenty representative fixturesAIMS GamesThe start of another busy tournament seasonPlus, Sam shares stories from recent representative appointments, including FPC pre-season rugby, Under-20 representative matches and a return to the TMO chair at the Steamers.Whether you're an experienced referee, a new official, a coach, player or supporter, this episode is packed with appointments, achievements, development opportunities and stories from the referee community.🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube and your favourite podcast platform.#BayOfPlentyRugby #Referees #RugbyReferee #NPC #FPC #HeartlandChampionship #AIMSGames #RugbyCommunity #BayOfPlentyReferees #RugbyPodcast

This week on the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Podcast, we sit down with one of New Zealand's most respected rugby referees, Bryce Lawrence.Bryce reflects on a refereeing journey that took him from community rugby in the Bay of Plenty to the biggest stages in world rugby, including Super Rugby, Test rugby, the British & Irish Lions tour and the Rugby World Cup.In a wide-ranging conversation, Bryce shares:✅ How to make decisions under pressure when everyone thinks you're wrong✅ The importance of preparation and confidence in performance✅ Lessons from refereeing the British & Irish Lions in South Africa✅ Why young referees shouldn't rush their development✅ The biggest mistakes referees make when trying to improve✅ What he would change about the TMO and modern rugby laws✅ How to recover from the toughest game of your career✅ The mentors who shaped his refereeing journey✅ Why giving back to Bay of Plenty rugby still mattersWe also cover the latest referee news, including the disciplinary outcome following referee contact involving Argentina's Tomás Albornoz, the launch of the new Ultimate Sevens competition, international and domestic referee appointments, and this weekend's NPC, Heartland and Northern Region fixtures.Whether you're a referee, coach, player or rugby supporter, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, resilience, performance and service.Guest: Bryce LawrenceHosts: Sam Fellows, Sean Carra and Jamie BellWhistle well.#BayOfPlentyRugbyReferees #RugbyRefereeing #BryceLawrence #RugbyPodcast #NPC #HeartlandChampionship #RefereeDevelopment #Leadership #WorldRugby #BayOfPlentyRugby

This week on the Bay of Plenty Referees Podcast, Sam is joined by Caleb Greaves.A former Bay of Plenty referee, current North Harbour referee and member of the Northern Zone squad, Caleb has spent more than a decade in the game and has become one of the most recognisable voices promoting refereeing in New Zealand.We discuss Caleb's journey into officiating, moving through the referee pathway, life in the Northern Zone environment and the challenges of progressing as a match official.The conversation also explores Caleb's innovative work running the North Harbour Rugby Referees social media channels, including the referee recruitment campaigns that have attracted attention from across New Zealand rugby and helped start new conversations about officiating.One of the highlights of the episode is Caleb's reflections on refereeing the recent Poverty Bay versus Classic All Blacks match at Rugby Park in Gisborne, held to celebrate the opening of the new John Heikell Grandstand, named after his grandfather.We also cover:✅ NPC Round 2 referee appointments✅ Northern Region development and U20 appointments✅ World Rugby women's international appointments✅ Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series appointments✅ New Zealand Rugby's new domestic law modifications✅ A shout-out to the Play On: The Rugby Referee Podcast on reaching 100 episodes✅ This week's Bay of Plenty Referees Whistler of the WeekWhether you're a referee, player, coach or rugby supporter, there's something in this episode for anyone interested in the game from the match official's perspective.Links Mentioned🏉 World Rugby Match Official Appointmentshttps://www.world.rugby/the-game/high-performance/officiating/1023105🏉 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series Appointmentshttps://www.world.rugby/the-game/high-performance/officiating/1043278🎙️ Play On: The Rugby Referee Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5uXSQQoFVDcCQluvr8u3N8🏉 North Harbour Rugby Referees https://www.instagram.com/northharbourreferees

In Episode 20 of the Bay of Plenty Referees Podcast, we sit down with Bay of Plenty referee Jake Ryan following his first selection to the Northern Zone Squad.Jake shares his refereeing journey, from picking up the whistle after his playing career ended to earning recognition at regional level. He talks about balancing rugby with life as a primary school teacher, father of two, and partner, while continuing to develop his craft and chase new opportunities in the game.We also dive into one of the more unusual stories in New Zealand refereeing when Jake reflects on his appearance on The Bachelorette New Zealand, what reality television is really like behind the scenes, and whether dealing with contestants or rugby players is the bigger challenge.Alongside the interview, the team discusses:- NPC opening round appointments and news.- Recent education sessions and referee development.- Whistler of the Week.- The usual Bay of Plenty referee banter.Whether you're a referee, player, coach or rugby fan, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges, opportunities and laughs that come with life in the middle.🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify and your favourite podcast platform.#BayOfPlentyReferees #RugbyReferees #NZRugby #Refereeing #BayOfPlentyRugby #NPC #NorthernZone #Podcast #TheBacheloretteNZ #GrassrootsRugby

This week on the Bay of Plenty Referee Podcast, Sam Fellows and Sean Curragh are joined by Matthew Astle in a very timely episode, as Matt prepares to referee the Bay of Plenty Premier Men’s Final. His appointment is recognised in the episode as one of the major fixtures on the Bay of Plenty club rugby calendar and a reflection of the work, consistency and trust that goes into earning a finals appointment. Matt talks through his refereeing journey, beginning in England after injury and coaching led him towards picking up the whistle, before progressing through the English refereeing system and later moving to New Zealand. He shares how he found his way into refereeing in Hawke’s Bay, then King Country, and eventually into the Bay of Plenty, where he has joined a strong and competitive Premier refereeing group. The team also discusses finals rugby, including Sean and Sam Fellows’s recent Premier semi-final appointments, the atmosphere and pressure that comes with knockout rugby, and the importance of staying process-driven when the stakes are high. Matt reflects on what changes, and what should stay the same, when preparing for a final, including alignment with assistant referees, being brave enough to make big calls, and helping provide the best possible platform for the players.In referee news, the panel covers the controversial finish to Argentina v England, including the reaction to Angus Gardner after full-time, and the broader issue of respect for match officials. The episode also looks at the sanction imposed on Gonzalo Quesada following comments about referee Luc Ramos, and how World Rugby’s new match official abuse sanction process is intended to protect referees and support confidence in the game.Matt also shares some of his personal refereeing highlights, including refereeing at Twickenham before moving to New Zealand and having his family back home able to watch him officiate on television for the first time. He finishes with practical advice for anyone thinking about picking up the whistle: embrace the opportunity, give it a go, and enjoy the people, support and pathways that refereeing can provide.The episode closes with Matt being named Whistler of the Week, recognising not only his Premier Men’s Final appointment but also the contribution he has made since joining the Bay of Plenty refereeing community, including helping at meetings, supporting teams and contributing to the connection within the referee group.

This week on the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Podcast, Sam Fellows is joined by Arthur Rickard a Tauranga Boys’ College student, Referee Academy member, and self-declared “#1 Rickard” to settle the pressing question of who really is the best Rickard in Bay of Plenty refereeing. Arthur reflects on his journey as one of the Bay’s exciting young referees, from earning the nickname “Little Ref” to refereeing tournaments such as Tai Mitchell and the Youth Development Cup. He shares what it has been like coming through the Bay of Plenty referee system at a young age, the support he has received from coaches and fellow referees, and how the Tauranga Boys’ College Referee Academy is helping create more opportunities for young officials. The episode also covers this week’s education focus on lineout management, including the value of setting clear standards early, using concise communication, and having a structured management strategy. Arthur Rickard also gives his thoughts on international refereeing, why he enjoys watching Nic Berry and Angus Gardner, and what young referees can learn from senior officials. In the interview, Arthur talks about confidence, resetting after mistakes, how musical theatre has helped his communication and presence, and why refereeing is one of the best ways to contribute to the game. The episode finishes with Jamie Bell being named Whistler of the Week for his work as referee manager and his contribution to training, communication, culture and the Tauranga Boys’ College Referee Academy. A great listen for young referees, referee coaches, parents, players, and anyone interested in how the next generation of match officials is being developed in the Bay of Plenty.

This week on the Bay of Plenty Referees Podcast, Sam Fellows, Sean Curragh and Jamie Bell are joined by Ben Rickard, fresh off being named Whistler of the Week and, by the sound of it, one of the busiest referees on the Bay of Plenty appointment sheet. Ben shares how he first picked up the whistle through junior rugby, what keeps him coming back each weekend, and the satisfaction that comes from helping players enjoy the game, particularly in the junior space. He also reflects on refereeing alongside his son Arthur Rickard, including their shared experience at the Tai Mitchell tournament and the unique bond that comes from learning, travelling and talking rugby together.The team also covers a busy week in refereeing: the Wellington referees’ stand against abuse, the latest law book tidy-ups including the charged-down kick now resulting in a try-line drop out, World Rugby’s remote TMO hub, New Zealand officials on the international stage, and the local Bay of Plenty appointments heading into finals rugby.There is also plenty of the usual podcast nonsense, after match food reviews from the coast, disappearing headgear, fantasy rugby bragging rights, favourite laws, underwear clarifications, calf injuries of varying credibility, and why referees apparently only need to check boots and mouthguards.Whistle well, team.

This week on the Bay of Plenty Referees Podcast, we turn the tables as regular host Sam Fellows steps into the guest chair.Sam reflects on more than 22 years of refereeing, including over 125 Bay of Plenty Premier matches, his journey through representative and Heartland rugby, and some of the moments that have shaped his career both on and off the field.We also cover:🏉 A busy weekend of local rugby, including post-match drama and disciplinary issues🏉 Recap of the latest referee education sessions and a reminder that World Rugby Law Exam attempts have now reset for the second half of the year🏉 The 2026 Tāi Mitchell Tournament in Ōpōtiki and opportunities for young referees to develop in a tournament environment🏉 New World Rugby law changes now in effect from 1 July🏉 International referee appointments for the July test window, including Luke Pearce taking charge of the All Blacks v France Test🏉 Michael Collins appointed as New Zealand Rugby's new Chief Rugby Officer🏉 Changes announced for the future format of Super Rugby Pacific🏉 Indian Premier League success for former podcast guest Nick Hogan🏉 Whistler of the Week honours for Ben Rickard, who backed up a school final with a senior appointment on the same dayIn the interview section, Sam discusses:✅ His most memorable Premier matches✅ Refereeing overseas in Fiji, Samoa, Japan, Canada, Mexico, the USA and Sri Lanka✅ His time on the Bay of Plenty Rugby Board and Referee Management Group✅ The best Premier club after-match feed in the Bay (a controversial topic!)✅ Why refereeing is one of the best pathways for developing leadership, communication and decision-making skillsWhether you're a referee, coach, player or supporter, this episode is packed with stories, insights and a few laughs along the way.🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.#BayOfPlentyReferees #RugbyReferee #CommunityRugby #BOPRugby #WorldRugby #RefereeDevelopment #GrassrootsRugby #HeartlandRugby #SuperRugbyPacific #Podcast

This week on the Bay of Plenty Referee Podcast, Sam and Jamie are joined by David Hodgson, Chair of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Referee Management Group.David has been involved in Bay of Plenty refereeing since 2004 and has chaired the RMG since 2015. In this episode, he talks about why he first picked up the whistle, his highlights from more than two decades in the game, and what really happens behind the scenes to keep refereeing running across a large and diverse region. He also shares his reflections on referee culture, the importance of club connections, developing young officials, and why the Bay continues to be held in high regard across the wider refereeing community.Sam and Jamie also recap a big weekend across the Bay, including multiple referees backing up across several games, the latest education session on the tactical side of lineouts, and the ongoing need to support new referees without throwing them in too deep too soon. The team also covers World Rugby’s approval of the lower legal tackle height in community rugby, Georgia U20’s historic win over New Zealand U20, Taranaki’s recent referee recruitment and storytelling work, and details for the upcoming Bay of Plenty Rugby Referee Awards evening.The episode finishes with Whistler of the Week, awarded to Dan Rolls for a massive weekend of service across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including picking up an extra flag when needed.Rugby and referee news mentionedWorld Rugby: Lower legal tackle height approved for community rugbyhttps://www.world.rugby/news/996977World Rugby: Lower tackle height trial extended to the World Rugby U20 Championship 2026https://www.world.rugby/news/1019790/lower-tackle-height-trial-extended-to-world-rugby-u20-championship-2026RugbyPass: Georgia U20 defeat New Zealand U20 22–19https://www.rugbypass.com/news/georgia-make-rugby-history-at-expense-of-giants-of-the-sport/World Rugby: World Rugby U20 Championship 2026 pools and fixtureshttps://www.world.rugby/u20/en/poolsTaranaki referee storiesTaranaki referee short documentary / recruitment video mentioned by Sam:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BHjLx9wzb/Seven Sharp / young Taranaki referee story mentioned by Sam:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18i8Lx42EP/Bay of Plenty linksBay of Plenty Rugby Union: Referee Management Grouphttps://www.boprugby.co.nz/rmgBay of Plenty Rugby Union: David Hodgson Trophyhttps://www.boprugby.co.nz/david-hodgson-trophy

In this episode of the Bay of Plenty Referees Podcast, Sam, Jamie and Sean are joined by Nick Hogan, one of New Zealand’s leading match officials, currently dialling in from India while officiating in the latest edition of the Indian sevens competition. Nick reflects on his refereeing journey, from starting out as a schoolboy referee at Wellington College after deciding playing was no longer the best fit, through to representing New Zealand on the international stage. Nick talks about the standout experience of his career so far, officiating at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, including the atmosphere of refereeing in France in front of huge crowds and why that remains his number one highlight to date. He also gives listeners a fascinating insight into the sevens tournament he is currently involved with in India, including the international standard of players and coaches involved, the different competition format, and why opportunities like this are important for the growth and sustainability of sevens rugby globally.The conversation also covers Nick’s role leading work around the new regional representative referee squads, including the shift in focus from NZR high performance, the need to continue servicing representative rugby well, and the goal of making selection processes clearer and more transparent through fitness, law and performance criteria. He also speaks about stepping into the role of Bay of Plenty Senior Panel Manager, why the timing felt right, and his focus on maintaining high standards, developing referees, and helping the senior panel continue to grow. Alongside the interview, the team recap the weekend’s local rugby, discuss the latest education session on the technical pillar of the lineout, touch on Bronco expectations heading into finals season, and run through some rugby news including the sold-out Super Rugby Pacific final and the statistics behind Major League Rugby’s Referee Review System. Nick is also named Whistler of the Week in recognition of both his international officiating work and his contribution to the Bay of Plenty referee community. If you enjoy the episode, you can catch the podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or connect with the crew at the weekly referee meetings.

This week on the Bay of Plenty Referee Podcast, we’re joined by Tiana Ngawati-Anderson, one of Bay of Plenty’s leading match officials, now established on the international pathway in both sevens and fifteens. Tiana reflects on her refereeing journey, the significance of being named on the 2026 HSBC SVNS women’s panel, her international XVs appointments, and what it has taken to return to the whistle after a challenging period with her health.We also recap the weekend’s rugby around the Bay, including a tight Super 8 clash between Tauranga Boys’ and Rotorua Boys’, Sean’s fast-paced Premier game at Greerton, Sam’s trip out to Te Teko v Ruatoki, and Tiana’s own return to the middle before backing it up as an AR. We also revisit the scrum themes from this week’s education sessions and look ahead to the next round of Baywide rugby and the Baywide social night in Rotorua.Whistler of the Week: Tiana Ngawati-Anderson, after a strong return to the whistle and backing it up across the weekend.Relevant links:• World Rugby Junior World Championship appointments: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/1044169/match-official-panel-confirmed-for-world-rugby-junior-world-championship-2026• Great American Scrum Championship: https://www.majorleague.rugby/the-great-american-scrum-championship• Bay of Plenty Rugby merch store: https://boprugbymerch.co.nz/• World Rugby Strategic Plan: https://www.world.rugby/organisation/strategic-plan• World Rugby law clarifications: https://passport.world.rugby/laws-of-the-game/law-application-guidelines/Hosts: Sam Fellows, Sean Curragh, Jamie BellGuest: Tiana Ngawati-Anderson

This week on the Bay of Plenty Referee Podcast, we’re joined by Elias Owen, one of our emerging Bay of Plenty referees who has had a big few weeks, including refereeing his first Super 8 match during the school day, earning Whistler of the Week, and being promoted to Panel 4 in our latest mid-season promotions.Elias takes us through how he got into refereeing, what the Super 8 appointment was like, and a brilliant yarn from his recent Auckland interchange weekend, including rugby, referees, Eden Park, and a few stories that probably belonged off-air but made it on anyway.We also recap the weekend’s rugby around the Bay:- close Colts and Premier contests,- a draw between Greerton and Mount,- Elias’ game at Taneatua,- and the latest on discipline from around the grounds.On the education front, we revisit the Scrum Management Pillar, setting standards in the front-row chat, using clear escalation, and understanding what a good scrum picture actually looks like.We also cover this week’s referee and rugby news:- World Rugby’s new 2026–31 strategic plan- Daniel Lienert-Brown’s four-week suspensionWhistler of the Week goes to Malakai Liuaki after a huge few days of stepping up in Eastern Bay rugby.News article links:World Rugby Strategic Plan:https://www.world.rugby/organisation/strategic-planDaniel Lienert-Brown suspension:https://super.rugby/superrugby/news/lienert-brown-handed-four-week-suspension/Hosts: Sam Fellows, Sean Curragh, Jamie BellGuest: Elias Owen

This week on the Bay of Plenty Referee Podcast, we’re joined by James Grieve from Auckland after a full interchange weekend in the Bay.James took the whistle in the middle and then backed it up as an AR afterwards, so we chat about interchange weekends, what referees can learn from seeing a different province operate, and the value of getting outside your usual environment. We also get James’ perspective on refereeing in Auckland across club and school rugby, what’s working well, and what officials are seeing week to week.We also round up a busy week of rugby and referee news, including:- New Zealand Rugby and Touch NZ formally joining forces to recognise touch as the official non-contact summer form of rugby in Aotearoa- South African prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye receiving an 18-month anti-doping ban- Eddie Jones being suspended and docked pay after abusing match officials- World Rugby’s new maul law application guideline coming into effect from 1 June- The launch of Ultimate Sevens, a new global short-format sevens competitionNews links:Touch NZ / NZ Rugby partnership:https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/595630/nz-rugby-and-touch-nz-join-forces-in-bid-to-increase-player-numbersAsenathi Ntlabakanye ban:https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/595283/asenathi-ntlabakanye-banned-for-18-months-and-is-set-to-miss-the-rugby-world-cupEddie Jones sanctioned for abusing officials:https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360978553/eddie-jones-banned-japan-and-given-pay-cut-after-abusingWorld Rugby maul guideline:https://passport.world.rugby/laws-of-the-game/law-application-guidelines/maul-june-2026/Ultimate Sevens:https://ultimatesevens.com/Thanks for listening. You can find the Bay of Plenty Referee Podcast on YouTube, Spotify and major podcast platforms.

This week we’re joined by Shinoa Nikora, one of our Eastern Bay of Plenty referees who has stepped up at exactly the right time, in a part of the province where referee numbers are tight and the work is constant.Shinoa shares her journey from associate refereeing into the middle, why she picked up the whistle to help address the shortage, and what it’s been like combining refereeing with playing and coaching, including how that mix has sharpened her understanding of the game and the laws. [bop-refere...-Quick note (and an apology): you’ll notice Sean is sideways on camera this week. We had a technical mishap during recording, and unfortunately the video orientation issue couldn’t be recovered in editing. Our apologies, we promise Sean is upright in real life. In this episode:Weekend recap: one red card to process (again), Sam’s match at Judea (and the unfortunate club shed/container break-in), and Shinoa’s weekend supporting on the sideline and keeping connected to the game. Education recap: Western Bay session one of the Scrum Technical Pillar, focusing on safety, stability, body shape and building a clear picture of what a good scrum looks like.Referee news: Aimee Barrett‑Theron’s milestone as the most‑capped female referee, and the NBA’s continued crackdown on public criticism of officials after a US$50,000 fine.Whistler of the Week: John “Spooks” Kilkelly, for a massive stretch of being available across multiple days (even when teams didn’t front), plus backing it up with multiple appointments across grades. Week ahead: Baywide Round 6, women’s, juniors and schools in full swing, plus the upcoming interchange weekend with visiting referees and a social catch-up. Hosts: Sam Fellows, Sean Curragh, Jamie BellGuest: Shinoa Nikora#RugbyReferees #MatchOfficials #RugbyUnion #BayOfPlentyRugby #RefereeDevelopment #WahineInRugby Shinoa Nikora, Eastern Bay of Plenty referees, referee shortage, rugby referee pathway, scrum refereeing, NZ Rugby scrum, women in rugby officiating, Baywide rugby, BOP referees podcast, Aimee Barrett-Theron, referee respect, Whistler of the Week.

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