Ref's Call - Luke Pearce Chats with Jim Hamilton

One of the best refs in the game sits down with Jim to give us an unprecedented look into what it's like being an elite rugby referee in the professional era. We get a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes both personally and professionally for the man in the middle. Luke opens up on the pressures of being a referee as well as the good and bad that comes with the job, including training, being assessed, dealing with social media, ref socials and of course the engagement with fans and players. We all know refs have a tough job, but this episode really puts it into perspective.
#therugbypod #rugbypodcast

[@fred1125]

Maybe rugby refs don't realise how much they are appreciated by the general fan. Especially top ones like Luke Pearce.

[@alexwhite5944]

As a junior referee learning the ropes in 🇿🇦 I often look for videos of referees just like this to get advice and to learn. I can honestly say that this is one of the best chats I've ever seen. It gives a brilliant holistic view on the nature of the job and Luke doesn't hold back with his hopes and fears for the future. I know that many people I meet would consider becoming referees if it wasn't for the attacks and vitriol spewed forth online. It's disheartening at times, but I'm motivated by the idea of more voice being given to referees. Converting from a fan of the game to an official has made me realise how often people just don't know the laws. I think people respond very well (generally) when they have the laws, reasoning and interpretation explained. If there's more of that going forward I think it will stand the game in good stead. This chat has certainly motivated me to keep refereeing and improving. Luke, us budding referees need more role models like you. Thank you so much guys!

[@N1ck0A]

That was quality, Jim. Great interview and we should definitely hear more from refs on pods. Luke seems like a really good lad 👍

[@garfieldbraithwaite8590]

I’m always pleased to see LP in the middle. He’s a brilliant ref and on this interview seems like a top man too. Thanks for this insight

[@jasonparsons]

Top bloke! Great conversation from ref likes this need to happen more regularly.

[@paulbarber5196]

Always nice to hear from our refs.

[@pierrekoekemoer]

Luke is a top lad loved this pod

[@georgehobbs8812]

Love these pods, keep it up

[@dadofthree28]

Great Podcast! Luke Pearce is a quality ref, and a quality bloke! Would definitely buy him a beer if he's ever at Devizes Rugby Club!

[@jimashley9781]

Properly good chat

[@Mojo-IRE]

Best Ref in the game today for me by far.

[@paulwood9466]

Fantastic interview 👏

[@timwannell6477]

Luke is a good bloke. Used to play with him down at Exeter Saracen’s RFC back in the dark ages. And his dad taught me to referee an u see 13s 7s tournament when I was 16- that was a big deal then! Really chuffed to see him achieve great success

[@chrismouton1985]

This was very insightful! It certainly isn't easy being a ref these days. I think what would help a lot is if there were bite size info pieces regarding the scrums, rucks, etc. to help educate the fans. Maybe then many fans could understand the referee decisions better? Provide some transparency and clarity regarding the rules.

[@mlguy8376]

Long TMO reviews - welcome to my world watching NFL this side of the pond.

[@Poweroftouch]

Omg I can't watch it 😭it's painful to watch

[@willjones3166]

what a great guy!!!

[@nickjames3055]

I'm a 17 year old referee in Switzerland (a big rugby-playing nation, I know) and Luke Pearce is one of THE referees that I try to base my game on (because I regard him as the best ref in the world) and whom I see as a role-model. And I for one, personally, see Luke's point of people swearing and complaining, abusing referees and there are times when it gets really frustrating as referees and listening to this, it's great to hear the best ref in the world calling it out and asking for action to be taken. I won't ever give up, because I know I can do it and that I may (sorry for the language) fuck up occasionally, but shit happens and I will only improve with time and my union will always stand behind and support me.

[@iainbeattie2970]

Definitely should be at RWC - decent bloke who does good work whilst recognising he is not infallible

[@secondchance4498]

For me it's the TMO that's the problem (can't speak for others). I don't have an issue with there being a TMO to check trys, or if there's serious foul play (a potential red card), but when there's so many eyes on the games (3x ref plus TMO) and we're stopping to analyse one potential bit of foul play, but many more go undetected, it can be frustrating. In the lower leagues with no TMO I'm understanding to the fact that the ref and team are only human and can't see everything. At premiership level, there's a much higher expectation due to all the cameras etc. Also, it's being over policed IMO and there's too many pens. This is not the refs fault, but the people making the law and the amendments to said law. Let the boys play.

[@stevenmcalister826]

Anyone who watches enough at the lower level wishes the matches had a TMO available. The process for checking can and should be sped up, but I have no faith in the referees seeing things in real time and getting potential tries chalked off because of referees mistakes.

[@kenrehill8775]

Luke, was it you who missed his flight from Marseille a few weeks ago?

[@kenrehill8775]

I don’t understand why rugby doesn’t use the technology that’s available. Most players are never knowingly on side. They wear gps trackers, so why not use the basic tech to superimpose a line on the pitch from the back foot, and the player is automatically pinged for offside? Forwards passes the same, enough if this bullshit of “backwards moving hands”

[@redneckReno]

tough thankless job to say the least. The game doesn't exist without em....got to give em a break

[@twitterking1]

He lost me on scotland being in a world cup final

[@cobusbrits2]

🤣

[@bm8725]

Money gradually kills all values, rugby or otherwise. That's why real sport is amateur sport.

[@kebeightyfour5717]

Major League Baseball review is two minutes, make a decision, move on with the game.

[@kenrehill8775]

I have serious question over the quality of the Georgian ref, Nico. He’s seriously poor.

[@jonnybyrne989]

The only rugby countries that complain about the refs are England,south Africa, new Zealand, and Australia.....

[@edlapinski341]

Ge rid of the TMO trying to ref the game; give the authority back to the ref and touchh judges!!!!

[@kenrehill8775]

The game is too fast now, the TMO needs to be more involved not less.

[@at7512]

Luke Pearce always needs to be center of attention hence bad for the game.. he is shocking and biased..