Mitch Chapman becomes ARU Head Coach of Referees

Chapman spent his playing career at the NSW Waratahs, Brumbies and Queensland Reds but since retiring, he has been part of the referee selector team for Rugby Australia. He will now oversee Australia’s growing refereeing team. Reporting to Head of Referees, Scott Young, he’ll help manage the referee’s high-performance requirements and assist in coaching them at an elite level.

“We’re really looking forward to having Mitch in this new role as he’s very passionate about ensuring our team are at their best on the international and domestic stage,’’ said Young. “He brings an in-depth knowledge of the game having played Super Rugby for more than 10 years and understands the modern players’ thinking around Rugby’s laws.

“Having been a referee selector this year, Mitch is enthusiastic and offers a fresh set of thinking to help our referee team achieve our goals of excellence.”

Speaking on his appointment, Chapman said, “I’m really looking forward to this exciting new challenge and it’s great to be involved with the game again at the elite level.

“Referees are a crucial part of the game and I am eager to be joining the team as we prepare for the upcoming Vodafone Super Rugby season.”