PodcastsEducationPlay On : the rugby referee podcast

Play On : the rugby referee podcast

Candace Barritt
Play On : the rugby referee podcast
Latest episode

93 episodes

  • Play On : the rugby referee podcast

    Pollock, Pearce & Super Rugby Semi Finals

    16/06/2026 | 45 mins.
    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.
  • Play On : the rugby referee podcast

    Scrums, Salt Baths & State Champs

    12/06/2026 | 35 mins.
    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.
  • Play On : the rugby referee podcast

    From Molong to Madrid

    02/06/2026 | 53 mins.
    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.
  • Play On : the rugby referee podcast

    Mullet Grabs & Meat Pies

    29/05/2026 | 55 mins.
    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.
  • Play On : the rugby referee podcast

    The Naughty Corner & Knock Forward Explained

    19/05/2026 | 53 mins.
    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.
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About Play On : the rugby referee podcast
This podcast will cover women's and men’s rugby matches from a referee perspective. To show an insight for people of the complexities of the game but also the fun and interesting side of the sport we all love!How to find us and get in touch: #PlayOnPod @play_on_pod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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