Matthew Astle on Finals Footy, Refereeing Pathways and Respecting the Whistle (Ep 19)

Matthew Astle on Finals Footy, Refereeing Pathways and Respecting the Whistle (Ep 19)

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.

Little Ref, Big Future: Arthur Rickard on Refereeing, Resilience and Being the #1 Rickard (Ep 18)

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.

Ben The Best Rickard: Whistles, Weekends and Why We Keep Coming Back (Ep 17)

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.

The Host Becomes the Guest – Sam Fellows on 22 Years of Refereeing (Ep 16)

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 day In 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 skills Whether 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

Building the Bay’s Referee Culture with RMG Chair David Hodgson (Ep 15)

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 MENTIONED * World Rugby: Lower legal tackle height approved for community rugby https://www.world.rugby/news/996977 [https://www.world.rugby/news/996977] * World Rugby: Lower tackle height trial extended to the World Rugby U20 Championship 2026 https://www.world.rugby/news/1019790/lower-tackle-height-trial-extended-to-world-rugby-u20-championship-2026 [https://www.world.rugby/news/1019790/lower-tackle-height-trial-extended-to-world-rugby-u20-championship-2026] * RugbyPass: Georgia U20 defeat New Zealand U20 22–19 https://www.rugbypass.com/news/georgia-make-rugby-history-at-expense-of-giants-of-the-sport/ [https://www.rugbypass.com/news/georgia-make-rugby-history-at-expense-of-giants-of-the-sport/] * World Rugby: World Rugby U20 Championship 2026 pools and fixtures https://www.world.rugby/u20/en/pools [https://www.world.rugby/u20/en/pools] TARANAKI REFEREE STORIES * Taranaki referee short documentary / recruitment video mentioned by Sam: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BHjLx9wzb/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BHjLx9wzb/] * Seven Sharp / young Taranaki referee story mentioned by Sam: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18i8Lx42EP/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18i8Lx42EP/] BAY OF PLENTY LINKS * Bay of Plenty Rugby Union: Referee Management Group https://www.boprugby.co.nz/rmg [https://www.boprugby.co.nz/rmg] * Bay of Plenty Rugby Union: David Hodgson Trophy https://www.boprugby.co.nz/david-hodgson-trophy [https://www.boprugby.co.nz/david-hodgson-trophy]