IRFU National Referee Camp 2019

The 2019/20 season drew a step closer at the weekend with the IRFU National Referee Camp in Enfield, Co. Meath.

The annual camp is an opportunity for the National Referee Panel to come together to discuss implementation around new directives and laws in the game. The 52 referees are also assessed on their fitness.

For 2019, the IRFU introduced a significant practical learning element to the camp. Live games in-camp gave referees the opportunity to perform, analyse and review their officiating among their peers.

“Referees referee and we want them to learn by refereeing,” Irish Rugby National Referee Manager David Wilkinson told IRFU TV in the above video.

The U17 Provincial squads played a series of 30-minute games on the first day of camp. As well as an off-pitch review directly after each game, referees analysed match footage and key learnings were presented back to the group.

Seven new referees were also welcomed to the National Referee Panel for the 2019/2020 season.

NATIONAL REFEREES PANEL – 2019/2020 SEASON:

High Performance: A. Brace, G. Clancy, F. Murphy, S. Gallagher, J. Neville

Contracted Development: J. Erskine, R. O’Sullivan, C. Busby, S. Gaffikin

Level 1: K. Barry P. Martin E. Hogan-O’Connell M. Patton N. Correll J. Peak D. Carson J. Carvill O. Quinn P. Haycock R. Horgan

Level 2: D. Blake S. Douglas G. Sheridan C. Harrington C. Hogan H. Richmond K. Imbusch R. Kerr C. Lough S. Kierans B. MacNiece J. Wilson B. O’Connell J. Cairns E. Cross A. Cole

Level 3: R. McGreer K. Davison R. Watson A. Mitchell J. Flynn M. Scanlon P. Reidy P. Sheehan E. O’Shea P. O’Connor M. Casey C. Roche L. Evans G. Crabtree T. O’Donoghue B. Moloney

There are eight New Referees Courses being held in the months of August and September 2019. These courses are designed to introduce prospective referees to the basics of refereeing.

They typically start at 09:30 in the morning and run until 16:30 with an hour for lunch. Midweek options are also available (over two nights) in Limerick and Cork.

If you are interested in becoming a referee, you are welcome to contact the relevant person below in relation to the following upcoming courses:

CONNACHT:

• Saturday 7^thSeptember, McWilliam Park Hotel, Kilcolman Road, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
• Sunday 8^thSeptember, The Connacht Hotel, Old Dublin Road, Galway

To book or enquire, contact Peter Fitzgibbon, Referee Development / Education Manager:

email: peter.fitzgibbon@irfu.ie, mobile: +353 86 832 2987

LEINSTER:

• Saturday 24^thAugust, Terenure College School, Templeogue Rd, Terenure, Dublin, D6W DK72

To book or enquire, contact Sean Gallagher, High Performance Referee

email: sean.gallagher@irfu.ie, mobile: +353 86 100 3985

MUNSTER:

• Saturday 14^thSeptember, Hibernian Hotel, Main Street, Mallow, Co. Cork
• Monday 16^thSeptember and Tuesday 17^th September (18:30 – 21:00), Limerick Institute of Technology, Moylish Park, Limerick
• Wednesday 18^thand Thursday 19^th September (18:30 – 21:00), Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork
• Sunday 22^ndSeptember, Charleville Park Hotel, Limerick Road, Charleville, Co. Cork

To book or enquire, contact Chris Harrington, Referee Development Manager:

email: chris.harrington@irfu.ie, mobile: +353 87 2750586

ULSTER:

• Saturday 17^thAugust, New Forge Sports Complex, 18b Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5NW

To book or enquire, contact Richard Kerr, Referee Development Manager:

email: richard.kerr@irfu.ie, mobile: +44 7493 868 388

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A REFEREE