Referee Development is a key element of IRFU policy. The investment in referee development has produced some of the most highly regarded referees in world rugby.

There are currently four Irish men on the International Referee Panel: Alain Rolland, Alan Lewis, George Clancy and Peter Fitzgibbon.

Simon McDowell is also on the Assistant Referee panel.

Alain Rolland and Alan Lewis were appointed to referee at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Both were appointed to referee the Quarter Finals with Rolland given the honour of refereeing the final. Both he and Alan Lewis continue to referee the highest level in the Heineken Cup and Magners League.

In 2009 Alain Rolland was appointed to referee one of the matches on the Lions tour to South Africa.

IRFU referees have also been well represented on the international IRB Sevens circuit. David Keane was appointed to lead the International Referee Squad at the 2009 RWC 7s with Simon McDowell given the honour of refereeing one of the semi finals.

Aoife McCarthy is Ireland's first Women's referee to regularly attend International tournaments and took part in the the RWC 7s as an assistant referee.

There are currently 50 referees on the IRFU National Panels

Referee Associations

There are referee associations in each of the Provinces:
 Connacht, Leinster, Munster and the Ulster Society.
         

Referee Panels

The Referee Committee is chaired by Ian McIlrath and its members are Tom Aplin, Owen Doyle, Brian Stirling, Bertie Smith and Denis Templeton. This Committee is responsible for putting in place Referee Panels which officiate in the AIB League, Magners League and European competitions. These Panels are merit based, and offer a clear pathway for progression, right up to International level.

International Referees are selected by the IRB Referee Selection Committee.   

Documentation

IRFU Referee Guidebook for Club.