The camp provides an important opportunity for match officials from across the country to come together ahead of the new season, building relationships, sharing experiences and preparing for the demands of the season ahead.
With referees regularly spread across the four provinces and officiating at different levels of the game, the camp is an important opportunity for the group to work collectively and ensure everyone is aligned on the standards and expectations of refereeing in Irish Rugby.
The group assembled at the IRFU High Performance Centre where the focus was on preparing both physically and technically for the season ahead. Across the camp, the referees took part in a range of sessions designed to develop their understanding of the game, improve decision-making and support their continued development as match officials.
The camp also provided an opportunity for referees to spend time together away from the match environment, with the social element an important part of bringing together a group who will be working across the country throughout the season.
The 50 referees attending the camp represent the continued development of match officials across the four provinces, with each having progressed through the provincial referee development pathways.
The provincial pathway plays an important role in supporting referees at every level of the game, from those taking up the whistle for the first time through to officials progressing towards the highest levels of domestic and professional rugby.
The National Referee Camp is an important part of that journey, providing an environment where referees can learn from one another, challenge themselves and prepare for the season ahead.
As the new season gets underway, the Referee Department will continue to support the development of match officials across the country through the provincial referee structures, education programmes and ongoing performance support.
If you are interested in becoming a rugby referee, Click here, if you want to Have a Blast and register your interest, and one of our provincial Referee Development Staff will be in touch.