Want to become a ref? Apply for the 2026 Trainee Referee Programme now!

Leinster Rugby is currently recruiting suitable candidates for the next Trainee Referee Programme which will commence in September 2026.

The programme is open to those aged 18 – 59, who would like to take up refereeing as a hobby and become members of the Leinster Rugby Referees.

Referees provide a vital function in servicing all levels of the game. Whether you aspire to referee at the highest level or to referee locally, there is a place for you. There are excellent support structures to develop referees and a thriving social aspect too.

Steps to becoming a referee

There are a few simple steps to take to take.

Register your interest to participate in the Trainee Referee Programme commencing in September 2026. Simply contact Seán Gallagher on sean.gallagher@irfu.ie. He is the Referee Development Manager and will be delighted to talk you through the process to get started.

Attend the Welcome to Refereeing Module (Online – Wednesday, 2 September at 19.30 – 21.00) and the Ready to Referee Module (Westmanstown Sports and Conference Centre – Saturday, 5 September at 10.00 – 14.30). These modules will explore the basics of refereeing. Once you complete these modules, you become a trainee referee.

The next step is to get out on the pitch. Trainee referees are appointed to referee at Age-Grade level and touch judge for more experienced referees. Mentors will be on hand to support trainee referees as they begin their refereeing journey.

Trainee referees receive further development opportunities, with modules on specific areas of the game throughout their first season refereeing. These include technical sessions on the breakdown, scrum and lineout, along with general education on control, communication and positioning.

Once trainee referees have shown a high level of ability, commitment and fitness they will be made full members of the Leinster Rugby Referees.

Referee pathway

Benefits of refereeing

There are several benefits to becoming a referee.

• Refereeing is a great way to stay involved in the game. You are in the thick of the action on the pitch.
• Fitness is a key element to refereeing and provides our referees with a great incentive to maintain their fitness.
• Education is an ongoing part of being a referee.
• There is continuing professional development to keep all referees up to date with all aspects of the law.
• This means our referees are constantly learning and up to date with the latest law changes and interpretations.
• Whatever level you aspire to referee at there is a place for you – refereeing Age-Grade games in your area, or adult games throughout your province.
• For referees who perform at a consistently high level there are opportunities to referee nationally in the Energia All-Ireland League.
• There is an excellent social aspect to refereeing. You will meet a broad range of new people and forge new friendships.
• You will gain membership to Leinster Rugby Referees Association. Benefits of this include access to tickets.
• Once you become a full member of the Leinster Rugby Referees Association you will have access to refereeing kit.
• This is exclusive to members, and the kit is supplied by the province’s official kit supplier.

What if I only want to referee in my own club or school?

If you only wish to referee in your own club or school, then the online IRFU Affiliate Referee Course is for you.

For more information and to complete this course use this link here.

Contact

Seán Gallagher
Referee Development Manager
sean.gallagher@irfu.ie