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.

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

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.

• World Rugby: Lower legal tackle height approved for community rugby
  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
• 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/
• World Rugby: World Rugby U20 Championship 2026 pools and fixtures
  https://www.world.rugby/u20/en/pools

• Taranaki referee short documentary / recruitment video mentioned by Sam:
  https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BHjLx9wzb/
• Seven Sharp / young Taranaki referee story mentioned by Sam:
  https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18i8Lx42EP/

• Bay of Plenty Rugby Union: Referee Management Group
  https://www.boprugby.co.nz/rmg
• Bay of Plenty Rugby Union: David Hodgson Trophy
  https://www.boprugby.co.nz/david-hodgson-trophy