Эпизоды
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This week on Play On Pod, Candace goes from Colts to AR in 1st Grade and shares an important reminder about the rarely-heard "Mayday" call after a player suffered a serious shoulder injury.
They dive into a spicy State Champs rant, previews the launch of Rugby Premier League, and explores the rise of hybrid players blurring the lines between forwards and backs. They share World Rugby's latest Women's Health webinar series and RugbyPass TV.
In Match Official news, they unpack NSW Rugby's new expedited disciplinary process for team officials and what referees need to know about the playing enclosure before kick-off.
Then it's onto Super Rugby Pacific finals fever- the Chiefs cruise, the Hurricanes make history, and they debate whether a yellow card was missed in a key aerial contest.
UK PREM: Luke Pearce shines in the Northampton Saints vs Leicester Tigers.
Preview the SRP Final appointments, and finish with Law of the Week — Law 10.4(a)- Offside and onside in open play- inspired by Pearcey’s favourite player, Henry Pollock.
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
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The Play On Pod team is back after a huge week of rugby!
Candace survives the marathon that is State Championships, Peacey takes charge in Orange, and they give some well-earned love to the Match Official Developers and volunteers who keep community rugby rolling.
Candace and Rob unpack Australia's Rugby 7s victory, celebrate Jorja Miller's Sevens Player of the Year award, and discuss the growing trend of hookers launching 50:22s.
In Match Official news, we break down World Rugby's latest clarification around scrum-halves at the ruck, plus review the action from State Championships, Super Rugby Pacific, Super Rugby Women's, Tests and SVNS.
This week's talking points focus on tackle height, players chasing turnovers with heads in dangerous positions, scrum management, timing of calls, and avoiding slingshot No.8s.
Also cover key appointments done by Rob.
Law of the week: Penalty and free kick & Scoring — 20:15 / 8:22 + Candace’s law variations request !
Golden Whistle: Gus Erickson.
Read more of Rob’s articles:
https://open.substack.com/pub/89rugby/p/ask-the-ref-how-many-infringements?r=1gyg8t&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From Molong to Madrid, the Play On Podcast covers another massive week in rugby and officiating.
Candace, Rob and Pearcey dive into Super Rugby, the launch of Super Rugby Women’s, and Australia's impressive SVNS campaign despite Maddi Levi's injury setback.
Then unpack key referee moments including a dramatic TMO intervention in the SVNS final, a rare "no maul" decision, red card discussions, and some bizarre Premiership incidents from Northampton v Gloucester.
Plus, State Championship this weekend around Australia are here.
Golden Whistle recognition for outstanding officials: Namekawa Takehito & Precious Pazani
Referee retro jerseys, and a reminder that match officials can challenge players without making themselves the main character.
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back with all things rugby!
Diving into a massive week across rugby union and beyond. From Jo Yapp making history as the first-ever Women’s Lions Head Coach, to discussions around player welfare, HIA protocols and tackle technique following recent rugby league headlines- there’s plenty to unpack.
The crew also previews the upcoming 7s action in Valladolid, counts down to the World Rugby Junior Championship, and breaks down World Rugby’s new global strategy for the game.
Plus, Super Rugby delivers more referee talking points: yellow cards, line-out trends, captain communication, “Kids Round”.
Plus, the Investec Champions Cup final gets the full Play On Pod treatment- controversial moments, foul play, mullet grabs, diving over tacklers, Law of the week- 10.4c discussions, and confusion around a late yellow card all under the microscope (or not).
There’s also Stat Central milestones and Aussie appointments on the world stage.
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back! With Super Series venues to wild on-field drama, this episode covers it all! They catch up on Cowra, Mudgee, Holroyd, and Primrose Park before diving into general rugby news.
The Naughty Corner: shocking bans hit Georgia with an 11-year suspension for former captain Merab Sharikadze, while verbal abuse and dangerous tackles land players and even coaches in hot water. SRP action saw red cards and new combinations shaking up the competition.
The countdown to the RWC hits 500 days!
Super Rugby highlights feature bold strategies, dark arts moves, and last-minute chaos.
Women’s Rugby & 6 Nations: Drama in Italy v Wales, Ireland v Scotland, and France v England. From tricky tackles to disallowed tries, records are broken, streaks extended and heroes emerge (Red Roses).
UK Premiership & European Finals- Appointments: Wild scores, chaotic scrums, scuffles, and players keeping the game going despite losing teeth! Rob breaks down refereeing moments, key appointments, and the upcoming Challenge and Champions Cup clashes.
Law of the Week: Back to basics with the “Knock Forward” Definition explained.
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back with more rugby referee review.
Rugby news including the new maul law application guideline, rankings movement, and the latest on the Third Division Boat Race Trophy.
Kylian Jaminet’s ProD2 collision- YC or red?Decoy runners and inside-ball variationsTalking Points:
U20: South Africa v New Zealand red card reviewW6N: key calls from England v Italy, France v Scotland, and Ireland v WalesLatest W6N and SRP appointmentsRef Retro mystery jersey challengeCaptain’s Chat featuring Angus managing the #9s#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
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@robgmckay
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/C6UhhugS3rS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Canadce, Rob and Pearcey are back talking all things rugby. Oh, and yes… May the Fourth was strong.
Rugby News:
Mental Health Round brought the odd socks energy, and don’t forget- you can nominate your grassroots legends for the Harvey Norman monthly awards. W6N returns this weekend, TRC U20s are underway, and there’s plenty of chatter around Daniel Botha’s suspension- tough call, but ultimately on him.
On the Field
Super Rugby delivered a mixed bag.
Reds v Brumbies saw Frost pushing skyscraper status at blindside, while Moana v Blues gave us set-piece creativity but questionable counter-attack smarts.
Gus kept Sid honest on goal-kicking duties too.
U20s & Match Official Focus
Plenty to unpack: high tackle frameworks, maul collapses, and deliberate knockdowns all under the microscope. Key takeaway? Head contact + upright tackler = trouble, but mitigation still matters. And yes- even uncontested lineouts still need to be straight.
Stat Central: Red Roses’ goal-kicking remains elite
Appointments & Golden Whistle: Big shoutout to Jess Ling- W6N debut and this week’s Golden Whistle winner.
Law of the Week
Maul definitions- because apparently we still need them (thanks, Moana). Candace Quickies making another cameo.
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Candace and Rob are back this week with the Play On Pod: This week, they break down a huge slate of rugby!
From the announcement of Ireland vs Japan rugby match in Newcastle to the chaos and clarity across the Women's Six Nations and Pacific Four Series.
Topics covered:
• TMO drama, double movements & those tight try-line calls
• Yellow cards galore (and when upright just doesn’t cut it)
• Ref comms gold- yes, including “on-field decision… we don’t have one”
• ANZAC Day test moments, big calls under pressure & elite game management
• Super Rugby madness- from in-goal brain fades to law clarifications mid-match
Plus- Stat Central is popping OFF with Super Round selling out!
Law of the Week: 6.9 (f) - Match officials
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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The Play On Pod is back with Candace, Rob and Pearcey- reviewing weather chaos hitting rugby across the globe.
Lightning in Sydney, tornadoes in Kansas City, and comms challenges in Perth- testing both players and match officials in all conditions.
Rob unpacks the latest World Rugby rankings shifts, plus a crackdown on dangerous tackles in Super Rugby Pacific, before diving into the HSBC SVNS Series. With a record-breaking milestones, and even robot cheerleaders, it was a weekend that had everything.
The Women’s Six Nations delivered big moments- dominant England, maul-heavy contests, key referee decisions, and some tough calls around repeated infringements and head contact.
Plus, a quirky finish in Ireland v Italy with no final whistle despite full-time scenes unfolding.
Over in the Pacific Four Series, weather delays struck again ahead of a blockbuster ANZAC clash.
Stat Central highlights a historic milestone- the most capped female SVNS referee of all time, surpassing Alhambra Nievas.
In Super Rugby Pacific, we break down controversial obstruction calls, charge downs and quick taps ! Some seriously sharp decision-making.
Golden Whistle: Kat Roche for a standout achievement tied to this week’s stat milestone.
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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Play On Pod - W6N Returns and PAC4 Chaos
Women’s rugby is flying right now- Candace, Rob and Pearcey unpack a huge opening round of W6N and PAC4, with drama, big moments and some seriously sharp officiating- with Aimee Barrett - reaching her 50th Test !
From last-minute yellow cards and wild finishes, to a try scorer dodging a pigeon (yep, really), there was no shortage of talking points.
Off the field, the game keeps evolving. Rugby Australia backs the future with new women’s pathways, while tech like Social Protect is stepping in to clean up the social media sideline.
Rob and Pearcey dive into Super Rugby chaos too- breakdown calls, no-try decisions, and those tight tackle interpretations that are keeping refs under the microscope.
Ben O’Keeffe doing his own referee coaching channel, Hollie making moves in the Top 14, lights out at Moana, and some classic mid-game curveballs.
Rob shares his Stat central and key appointments coming up.
Trends to watch:
The “sweeper” on contestable kicks
Free kicks vs penalties- are we getting it right?
Golden Whistle: Tom McLean
Law of the Week: Law 13.3
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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The Play On Pod fire questions at the big boss of World Rugby! This weeks special guest is Chair of World Rugby- Dr Brett Robinson.
The Play On Pod keep it sharp, fun, and match official focused (as usual).
They cover it all with Brett- from life in the top job to the future of refereeing, TMO consistency, and law changes shaping the game.
There’s chat around the rise of match officials as personalities (Hollie Davidson), the growth of the women’s game, and what’s next after the success of recent World Cups.
Also tackling the messy rugby calendar, innovations across comps, and what the game could look like heading into RWC 2029 in Australia.
Big ideas, real insights, and a curveball question that involves a magic lamp ?!
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast
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This week on Play On Pod, Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back. They break down rugby’s biggest talking points. From props adding kicking to their toolkit to the Six Nations Player of the Tournament debate.
Over in Super Rugby, there’s plenty to unpack:
A controversial referee collision in Highlanders vs Hurricanes- accidental or avoidable?Positioning, game awareness, and how referees can (and should) adjustA bizarre conversion decision that raised eyebrowsScrum and maul moments in the Brumbies clash that highlight ongoing technical challenges in the set pieceWe dive into a niche Law of the Week- 15:1 moment from Leicester v Exeter, Can a ruck exist over the goal line?
Stat Central returns with numbers that tell their own story, while Trends & Talking Points explores how evolving attacking shapes are influencing off-the-ball incidents—and how players are increasingly trying to work referees through assistant refs.
Captain Chat of the week is from Jordan Way
Appointments news, including Wallaroos v Fiji
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Play_On_Podcast
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week Candace, Rob and Pearcey dive into a massive mix of rugby action, officiating moments, and global headlines shaping the game.
We kick things off with Mudgee 10s and ongoing trials, plus a light-hearted but very important debate- what’s the best food at the footy?
In global rugby news, the buzz around the Rugby World Cup continues with 750,000 tickets already sold, while innovations like the MLR referee review system spark discussion- including captain’s challenges and how they could impact decision-making.
In the rugby news they unpack some of the game’s tougher conversations:
Oscar Jégou’s ban following foul playA doping scandal in Georgian rugbySix Nations breakdown:
France vs England controversy- high tackles, mark confusion, and game management frustrationsIreland vs Scotland- Luke Pearce’s communication masterclass under pressureWales vs Italy- a dominant Welsh win, smart officiating, and key tactical decisionsNew segment called Stat Central highlights insane form from rising stars, including try-scoring records being smashed.
Super Rugby & SVNS:
Key TMO and grounding debatesBig calls in Moana vs BluesHigh-intensity Sevens finalsGolden Whistle: celebrating Aimee Barrett-Theron as Referee of the Year.
Law of the Week: 18.2 : Touch, quick throws and lineout
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
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@robgmckay
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Candace, Rob and Peacey are back breaking down a massive week across rugby — from local match officials to the global game.
Candace shares her eventful weekend at Ella 7s handing out three red cards, while the team chats colts trials and the Mod Squad developments.
With International Women’s Day just passed, the pod also highlights the incredible women shaping rugby from volunteers and board members to coaches and match officials.
Around the world of rugby, the Six Nations trophy catching fire, and new player welfare measures regulating contact training in Premiership Rugby.
The crew dive into the Six Nations action, including prop magic in Ireland v Wales, Angus Gardner’s management in Scotland v France, yellow cards under pressure and captain communication.
In Super Rugby, they unpack the player challenges in Waratahs v Hurricanes, lightning delays in Brumbies v Reds, and why match officials were right to celebrate the final decision.
Plus:
SVNS standouts including Archie Saunders scoring on debutGolden Whistle- Angus GardnerReferee appointmentsLaw of the Week – Law 12.9 - Kick off and restart kicks Captain Chat from the Scotland v France match#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
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Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back with news from Kiama 7s and highlighting referee performances across Super Rugby
They unpack the latest in match official news and global rugby talking points.
World Rugby’s Shape of the Game update- what it means, what’s changing (and what’s not)
The new Blue Card protocol
Speed: “Use It” at the ruck, and the role of Game Management Guidelines (GMGs).
Plus: Six Nations appointments, captain chats done right, long advantages, scrum control, tip tackles, and why interactions matter more than ever.
Including standout moments from Ben O'Keeffe in the mud, James Doleman earning our Golden Whistle, and sharp management calls across the round.
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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Candace, Rob and Pearcey are back to chat about rugby news and the 6 Nations.
After some rugby news and highlighting some funny referee moments from the week.
The 6 Nations takes priority as the main segment with Andre getting injured and Pierre stepping in the pitch, it’s so impressive on how elite referees keep so calm and cool under pressure.
Rugby Trends:
Letting it breathe at the ruckHustling maul6 Nations still with unnecessary stoppageGolden Whistle: Mathew Carley- 50th Test Cap
Appointments: Super Rugby Pacific + Local appointments
Law of the week: Law 9: 9.7/ 9.11/ 9.17
Further reading on jumping into a tackle: https://89rugby.substack.com/p/to-dive-or-not-to-dive-and-what-can?r=1gyg8t&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
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Candace, Rob and Pearcey meet up again to review some trends within rugby and 6 Nations round two.
Rugby News:
Whats up with the new Super Rugby Referee kit ?World Rugby Women’s in Rugby Career Program 2026Heat Policy - used in Force vs Moana matchTrends:
Jumping into triesHOLLIE HOLLIE HOLLIEScrum penaltiesForward passesReferee down- Jordie’s pancake momentRecognize and Remove- well done- Paul WilliamsGolden Whistle: Hollie Davidson & Paul Williams
Appointments: 6Nations, Women’s 6Nations, Pacific 4, Wallaroos International and Local appointments
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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Candace, Rob and Pearcey meet up again to discuss some rugby news, Perth 7s highlights and of course the 6 Nations.
Perth 7s:
-French player- very dangerous tackle
-AJ speedy boots
-ARs involved during tournament
Rugby News:
-Bundee Aki backchat
-Anzac Day test for womens rugby
-World Rugby Rankings
6 Nations:
-Rob keeps score on the pods predictions
-AR running inside touches the ball.
-Italy v Scotland- RAIN
-Player in the way of 9 channel
-Appointments
Golden Whistle: Kat Roche
Law of the week: Match Official- 6:10 & Scrum 19:1
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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Candace, Rob and Pearcey are reunited to go through some exciting law innovations coming through Super Rugby.
They reflect on Singapore 7s and penalty tries in 7s matches.
Perth 7s and 6 Nations on this weekend. Rob gives low down of appointments.
The main segment focuses on the Super Rugby Law Innovations. With Candace and Pearcey voting green, amber and red for their favourites.
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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Candace and Rob this week with all the updated rugby news and trends in the game.
They chat about the below:
Sara Cox - retirementTarsh Ganley - refereeing the PWRGrow the Rose DevelopmentMacron - kit for refereesRugby Trends- the ruck/ box kick - reviewing offside line getting closer and positioning
Ending the pod with a UK prem video review that links with the law of the week: 18:2 d
Golden Whistle: Natarsha Ganley
Captain Chat: Andrea Piardi
Listen more about Natarsha Ganley move to the UK on the Advantage over podcast: https://rugbyreferee.net/2025/12/04/podcast-tarsh-ganley-on-her-rwc-experiences-and-how-shes-heading-to-the-pwr/
#PlayOnPod
@Rob_McKay
@play_on_pod
@robgmckay
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