After a short break, Sam Fellows and Jamie Bell are back to catch up on everything happening in the Bay of Plenty refereeing community.

In this episode:

🏆 A full recap of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Awards Night, including all major award winners and service milestones.

🎙️ Recognition of the outstanding contributions of referees, coaches and volunteers across the region.

🌍 International and provincial appointment news, including WXV selections, NPC, FPC and Heartland Championship appointments.

👏 Congratulations to James Dolman and Maggie Cogger-Orr on significant first-class refereeing milestones.

📋 Secondary school finals review and our Whistlers of the Week, recognising the match officials who took charge of key finals across the Bay of Plenty.

🏉 The week ahead, featuring:

• National Under-15 Invitational Tournament
• Rugby by the Beach
• Bay of Plenty representative fixtures
• AIMS Games
• The start of another busy tournament season

Plus, Sam shares stories from recent representative appointments, including FPC pre-season rugby, Under-20 representative matches and a return to the TMO chair at the Steamers.

Whether you're an experienced referee, a new official, a coach, player or supporter, this episode is packed with appointments, achievements, development opportunities and stories from the referee community.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube and your favourite podcast platform.

#BayOfPlentyRugby #Referees #RugbyReferee #NPC #FPC #HeartlandChampionship #AIMSGames #RugbyCommunity #BayOfPlentyReferees #RugbyPodcast

This week on the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Podcast, we sit down with one of New Zealand's most respected rugby referees, Bryce Lawrence.

Bryce reflects on a refereeing journey that took him from community rugby in the Bay of Plenty to the biggest stages in world rugby, including Super Rugby, Test rugby, the British & Irish Lions tour and the Rugby World Cup.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Bryce shares:

✅ How to make decisions under pressure when everyone thinks you're wrong
✅ The importance of preparation and confidence in performance
✅ Lessons from refereeing the British & Irish Lions in South Africa
✅ Why young referees shouldn't rush their development
✅ The biggest mistakes referees make when trying to improve
✅ What he would change about the TMO and modern rugby laws
✅ How to recover from the toughest game of your career
✅ The mentors who shaped his refereeing journey
✅ Why giving back to Bay of Plenty rugby still matters

We also cover the latest referee news, including the disciplinary outcome following referee contact involving Argentina's Tomás Albornoz, the launch of the new Ultimate Sevens competition, international and domestic referee appointments, and this weekend's NPC, Heartland and Northern Region fixtures.

Whether you're a referee, coach, player or rugby supporter, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, resilience, performance and service.

Guest: Bryce Lawrence
Hosts: Sam Fellows, Sean Carra and Jamie Bell

Whistle well.

#BayOfPlentyRugbyReferees #RugbyRefereeing #BryceLawrence #RugbyPodcast #NPC #HeartlandChampionship #RefereeDevelopment #Leadership #WorldRugby #BayOfPlentyRugby

This week on the Bay of Plenty Referees Podcast, Sam is joined by Caleb Greaves.

A former Bay of Plenty referee, current North Harbour referee and member of the Northern Zone squad, Caleb has spent more than a decade in the game and has become one of the most recognisable voices promoting refereeing in New Zealand.

We discuss Caleb's journey into officiating, moving through the referee pathway, life in the Northern Zone environment and the challenges of progressing as a match official.

The conversation also explores Caleb's innovative work running the North Harbour Rugby Referees social media channels, including the referee recruitment campaigns that have attracted attention from across New Zealand rugby and helped start new conversations about officiating.

One of the highlights of the episode is Caleb's reflections on refereeing the recent Poverty Bay versus Classic All Blacks match at Rugby Park in Gisborne, held to celebrate the opening of the new John Heikell Grandstand, named after his grandfather.

We also cover:

✅ NPC Round 2 referee appointments
✅ Northern Region development and U20 appointments
✅ World Rugby women's international appointments
✅ Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series appointments
✅ New Zealand Rugby's new domestic law modifications
✅ A shout-out to the Play On: The Rugby Referee Podcast on reaching 100 episodes
✅ This week's Bay of Plenty Referees Whistler of the Week

Whether you're a referee, player, coach or rugby supporter, there's something in this episode for anyone interested in the game from the match official's perspective.

🏉 World Rugby Match Official Appointments
https://www.world.rugby/the-game/high-performance/officiating/1023105

🏉 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series Appointments
https://www.world.rugby/the-game/high-performance/officiating/1043278

🎙️ Play On: The Rugby Referee Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/5uXSQQoFVDcCQluvr8u3N8

🏉 North Harbour Rugby Referees https://www.instagram.com/northharbourreferees

In Episode 20 of the Bay of Plenty Referees Podcast, we sit down with Bay of Plenty referee Jake Ryan following his first selection to the Northern Zone Squad.

Jake shares his refereeing journey, from picking up the whistle after his playing career ended to earning recognition at regional level. He talks about balancing rugby with life as a primary school teacher, father of two, and partner, while continuing to develop his craft and chase new opportunities in the game.

We also dive into one of the more unusual stories in New Zealand refereeing when Jake reflects on his appearance on The Bachelorette New Zealand, what reality television is really like behind the scenes, and whether dealing with contestants or rugby players is the bigger challenge.

Alongside the interview, the team discusses:

• - NPC opening round appointments and news.
• - Recent education sessions and referee development.
• - Whistler of the Week.
• - The usual Bay of Plenty referee banter.

Whether you're a referee, player, coach or rugby fan, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges, opportunities and laughs that come with life in the middle.

🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify and your favourite podcast platform.

#BayOfPlentyReferees #RugbyReferees #NZRugby #Refereeing #BayOfPlentyRugby #NPC #NorthernZone #Podcast #TheBacheloretteNZ #GrassrootsRugby

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.

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.

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