New Strategy Set To Transform High-performance Rugby Match Officiating

World Rugby has announced details of a new strategic approach that the sports governing body says will transform high-performance match officials on the global stage.

Following on from an agreement on the new approved global rugby calendar, plans in the new structure are set to feature new specialist coaches, a selection and performance management process and a long-term plan to identify and develop global talent.  This is also designed to promote the best officials to the sport’s biggest events 

World Rugby Director of Rugby Phil Davies said: “Rugby is a sport built on collaboration and communication, and it is imperative that we have a truly unified, clear and consistent approach across match officiating regardless of country or competition. This is important for officials, players, coaches and fans.”

Davies added. “This new strategy is an evolution, not revolution, but it does for the first time set us up for success, bringing all stakeholders – unions, coaches and players on to the same page regarding on-field focus, while implementing the foundation structures that will support match officials coming through the system and at the top as we accelerate into a new era for the sport.”

Under Director of Rugby Phil Davies, the match officials management group has been expanded and will now include:

• Talent Identification Manager
• Women’s and men’s 15s match official coaches
• Women’s pathway manager
• Emerging nations match official support

The men’s and women’s selection group will also feature independent Chairs, with selectors representing the north and south, and the respective World Rugby referee manager. 

The rugby match officiating strategy is due to begin in April 2024 and the aim is to deliver “a consistent approach to match officiating regardless of location through a data-driven scorecard approach performance management.”

The enhanced officiating performance analysis and coaching framework will hopefully drive transparent appraisal and common focus said World Rugby.

World Rugby Match Officials Structure 2024

World Rugby’s Executive Board approved the structure which aims to build on strong collaborative work with unions and teams to deliver a high-performance system and a set of “guiding principles that will underpin match officiating in the key areas of safety, speed, space, scrum and lineout/maul.” 

Men’s Emirates World Rugby High-Performance Match Officials Structure 

• The management team will continue to be led by Elite Men’s Match Officials Manager Joël Jutge.
• International match official Brendon Pickerill fills the new position of Elite Men’s 15s Match Officials Head Coach (having stepped down from refereeing duties).  
• Chaired by World Rugby Executive Board member Brett Robinson.
• New selection group comprises independent selectors: Dave McHugh (North) and Mitch Chapman (South), along with Jutge, Pickerill and Davies. 

Women’s Emirates World Rugby High Performance Match Officials Structure 

• The management team will continue to be led by Elite Women’s Match Officials Manager Alhambra Nievas.
• Joined by international match official Joy Neville in the new position of Elite Women’s 15s Match Officials Head Coach.
• A new Women’s Match Officials Pathway Manager role will be filled.   
• Chaired by World Rugby Executive Board member Su Carty.
• New selection group comprises Andrew Macpherson (North) and Wayne Erikson (interim, South), along with Nievas, Neville and Davies.    

Emirates World Rugby Sevens Match-Officials Structure 

• Elite Sevens Manager Paddy O’Brien.
• Supported by High Performance Sevens Coach Craig Joubert.

World Rugby Development News 2024

• Gallagher High Performance Academy Extended By World Rugby.
• World Rugby Shape of the Game 2024 Recommendations.
• 2024/25 Capgemini Women In Rugby Leadership Programme.
• World Rugby Documentary – Whistleblowers.