Dr. Ben O'Keeffe is one of the best rugby referees in the world—and he's also a fully qualified doctor, specializing in ophthalmology.

This episode first dropped in 2023, shortly after Ben made headlines for the intense backlash (including death threats) he received after officiating the Super Rugby Final between the Crusaders and the Chiefs. Since the Super Rugby 2025 final is again between these two fierce rivals, I thought I'd re-release the episode ICYMI the first time

round.

In this conversation, we unpack Ben’s unique double life as a top-level rugby referee and an eye surgeon.

We talk about his journey through medicine, his passion for the game, and how he deals with pressure, criticism, and the spotlight that comes with both careers.

I originally invited Ben on the podcast after his honest Instagram post went viral—calling out some of the horrific messages he received post-match. But beyond the drama, he's just a bloody inspiring Kiwi, doing incredible things with humility and focus.

If you missed this episode the first time around, now’s the perfect time to catch up.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bens Dual Career

02:55 The Journey Through Medicine

05:48 Transitioning from Medicine to Refereeing

09:10 Balancing Rugby and Medicine

12:00 The Life of a Professional Referee

14:52 Understanding the Game and Its Rules

18:00 Decision Making Under Pressure

20:52 The Impact of Refereeing Decisions

23:56 The Role of a Referee in the Game

27:09 Refereeing as a Career Choice

30:00 Training and Preparation for Referees

33:01 The Importance of Experience in Refereeing

36:16 Understanding Referee-Player Dynamics

39:25 Accountability in Refereeing

43:38 Review Processes and Continuous Improvement

49:14 The Impact of Social Media on Referees

54:57 Navigating Public Criticism and Mental Health

01:01:01 The Role of Support and Community in Refereeing

01:10:44 Referee Relationships with Players

01:14:36 The Dynamics of Refereeing

01:16:20 Nervousness and Preparation Before Games

01:19:34 Emotional Challenges and Accountability

01:22:21 Learning from Mistakes and Apologies

01:23:49 Controversial Decisions and Their Impact

01:24:51 Weird Rules and Laws in Rugby

01:26:36 The Importance of the Whistle

01:28:56 Referee Milestones and Achievements

01:30:59 World Cup Aspirations and Team Dynamics

01:33:45 Media Attention and Public Perception

01:36:29 The Future of Refereeing and Safety Concerns

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.