Here’s a range of good books* you might be interested in. Bringing the referees stories out into the public domain. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Enjoy!
Wayne Barnes: Throwing the Book (2023)
The Final Whistle, Nigel Owens (
The world of the international rugby referee has always been a closely guarded secret … until now. As a Durban schoolboy, Jonathan Kaplan watched rugby at Kings Park every Saturday, dreaming of the day he would represent his country. Now, three decades later and at the age of 47, he reflects on the career highs and lows that saw him retire as the most capped international, Super Rugby and Currie Cup referee of all time. But records and milestones are just a part of an intriguing memoir that affords the reader a rare glimpse into the world of international refereeing … and what lies behind that enigmatic, penetrating glare that is as typical of Jonathan Kaplan as his silver-grey patch of hair.
Alain Rolland is the only Irishman to have refereed a World Cup final. Rolland’s lifetime journey through the game – from Blackrock College to Leinster, to Ireland, and onto the greatest stage in rugby when he took charge of the 2007 World Cup final in the Stade de France between South Africa and England – brings readers deep into the heart of the professional game for the first time. A former Leinster scrum-half, Rolland was capped 40 times for his province in the amateur era of the game, and also played three times for Ireland. But it is as a referee that Alain Rolland is best known and respected throughout the world. In The Whistle Blower he now gives a unique and thrilling insight to the professional game, bringing readers up close with the ‘Big Two’ in Ireland, Leinster and Munster, and also allowing readers out onto the pitch with him as he travels the world and takes charge of the greatest teams in the game – Australia, South Africa and the mighty All Blacks. Rolland’s courage as a referee brought him fame and landed him deep in controversy on occasions. The Whistle Blower now explains his biggest decisions in life, and on the playing field.
Available: Eason Books and Amazon
Rugby: A Referee’s Guide. Ed Morrison and Derek Robinson (1996)
A little outdated in terms of law, having been written in 1996, but when the Rugby World Cup Final referee and long-serving match official speaks, it’s worth a read. The advice is still relevant.
The book shows how to prepare for the big game, understand the relationship between players and referee, maintain consistent standards of refereeing and how to interpret the laws (as they were in ’96).
Available via Amazon
All books will help aspiring refs, as they give a different perspective.
My favourite was Man in the Middle by Derek Bevan.
It is still in print.
Also the humorous one with Nigel Owens, two Heads, One Tale.
Going by what Kaplan says in print, I would give his a miss!
Would it be possible to obtain a hard copy of the 2019 referee rule book? I have a friend who is an aspiring ref and this would be perfect for him.
Sadly we haven’t received a batch from WR yet. When I do, I’ll let you know!
me please as well
Yes please and me!!