Referees Corner – Issue15 – 2025/26 – SF Stormers

Welcome to the last edition of Referees Corner for this season. Firstly, on behalf of President John Dunne, the Executive, and the entire membership, it is both a profound pleasure and a distinct honour to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed colleague, Ciaran O’Brien, on his election as President of Leinster Rugby at the AGM last week. Ciaran has long been a pillar of LRR—steadfast in his commitment, generous with his time, and unwavering in his service. His leadership across numerous committees, and the wisdom he brings to every table, have earned him deep respect throughout our Association and beyond. Ciaran served two terms as Railway Union Club President in 2003/04 and 2004/05. Ciaran assumed the  Presidency of the Leinster Branch Association of Referees in 2011/12. We offer our sincere best wishes to Ciaran and his family for the year ahead as he undertakes this prestigious and well‑deserved role.

Today’s match official for this Semi Final clash between Leinster and the DHL Stormers  is Hollie Davidson. She is assisted by Sam Grove-White (SRU) and Adam Jones (WRU)  Mike Adamson is the TMO. Hollie Davidson became Scottish Rugby Union’s first full time professional women’s referee in 2017. She refereed her first Pro14 fixture on 19 March 2021; a Munster v Benetton match, winning plaudits from the Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan. Davidson has refereed in the 2019 Women’s Six Nations Championship and in 2021 Davidson was chosen as one of the referees for the rugby 7’s tournament at the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics. In 2023 Davidson was the only female member of the panel of referees for the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship. This season alone she has refereed in the URC, Top 14, EPCR Challenge and Champions Cup, and the Six Nations. This is her fifth time refereeing Leinster and it is always great to see her in action.  

As the 2025–2026 season draws to a close, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the activities, and achievements of the Leinster Rugby Referees. This has been our busiest season to date, with at least a 10% increase in activities compared to last year, following an 10% rise the previous season. We now have more active referees than ever before, supported by a committed network of mentors, evaluators, development groups, committees, and other dedicated members. 

We extend our thanks to Brendan Conroy, our Referee Administrator whose contributions continue to go far beyond the remit of his role.  We thank our area representatives who continue to be the cornerstone of our volunteer effort. From referee selections and talent identification to organising Area Meetings, attending Branch Area meetings, and participating in monthly Executive meetings—the breadth of their involvement is considerable. Many of our area representatives also remain active referees on the field. Well done to David Jenkins, Paul BK, Alistair Finlayson, John Kerr, and Trevor McHugh—your contributions are deeply appreciated. 

So what about you? Interested in traveling the province, 6 nations or world with a whistle? Why do it? There are many reasons:

• Stay with the game as an alternative to playing.
• Social – The social aspect of rugby is renowned. Refereeing is a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
• Fitness – It is a fantastic way to keep fit. The IRFU have the highest level of expertise in this area.
• Travel – The highest level you reach as a referee, the more involvement you will have at European Competitions, URC and the Energia League
• Referees ‘a club within a club’ who meet regularly for meetings. There’s a great team spirit. We have had many guest speakers including Chris Pollock (NZRFU), Matt O’Connor, Joe Schmidt, Kevin Beggs, Nic Berry & Ben O’Keefee at our meetings.
• Ambition – could you referee an international match?
• Tickets – Referees are allowed to apply for international and provincial match tickets.

We will have a new referee course early in the season, so please get in touch.

Want to get involved? 

Referees provide a vital function in servicing all levels of the game. Refereeing is also a fantastic hobby and is increasingly becoming a genuine alternative to playing the game.

Whether you have aspirations to referee at the highest level or to referee locally, there is a place for you. There are excellent support structures in place to develop referees and a thriving social aspect too.

Feel free to make contact with the Leinster Rugby Referees at brendan.conroy@leinsterrugby.ie  If you are interested in becoming a referee get in contact with us through our Facebook, our website www.leinsterrugbyreferees.ie,  through X @leinsterreferee or instagram @leinsterreferees1.