Background
Dr. Ben O'Keeffe is one of the world's elite rugby referees and a medical doctor who is a training registrar in musculoskeletal medicine. A New Zealand-based referee, O'Keeffe has become the most capped first-class referee for New Zealand and has officiated at the highest levels of rugby, including Super Rugby and international Test matches. His unique combination of medical expertise and elite refereeing knowledge makes him invaluable to understanding the game's laws and player welfare.
Honours
- Record for most first-class games officiated by a New Zealand referee
- Record for most Super Rugby and Test matches officiated by a New Zealand referee
- Rugby World Cup referee 2019 and 2023 (8 matches)
- British & Irish Lions series referee, 2021
- Medical doctor, training registrar in musculoskeletal medicine
Career
- Marlborough Rugby (Grassroots)
- Super Rugby Referee (2015-present)
- Test Match Referee (2015-present)
- New Zealand Most Capped First-Class Referee
- Medical Doctor (Musculoskeletal)
Strengths
- Game Management
- Law Expertise
- Decision Making
- Communication
- Player Welfare
- Medical Knowledge
Free guides
Guides with Ben O'Keeffe
- How to Tackle in Rugby: Technique, Steps and DrillsThe tackle broken into coachable steps: tracking, foot placement, body height, shoulder contact and finish, plus safe progressions from walk-through to live.
- Rugby Rules Explained: How a Match WorksHow a rugby match works, from kick-off to full time, straight from World Rugby's laws.
- Rugby vs American Football: Rules ComparedEvery difference between the two games, from the two rulebooks, in yards and metres.
Train with Ben O'Keeffe
Sessions, programming and breakdowns from Ben O'Keeffe and the rest of the coaching group sit inside Elite Rugby App.
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