Articles

As we approach the start of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, we are going to look at what the term 'Clear & Obvious' means to a referee, and the greater team of 4 in general.

During the world cup, the match officials will be under a greater degree of scrutiny than has ever been seen before, the desire to get every decision correct is there, but perfection is something even that even the best teams have not yet achieved.

Perfection for a team would surely mean that no player drops a ball, every pass goes where intended, every tackle is made, and every kick is successful. However, as supporters we understand that this is near impossible to do over a full 80 minutes. The dynamics of the game, along with the unpredictability of the opposition defence means that mistakes will happen, but it's how you over come them that really defines the team.
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image ©irishrugby^*

John Lacey is a classic example of a "poacher turned gamekeeper". He was born in Tipperary on 12 October 1973, making him 41 heading into this years Rugby World Cup.

John Lacey played rugby professionally on the wing, or at full back for Munster, scoring 114 tries at Senior club level. Debuting for Munster at the tender age of 18, he made six Heineken Cup appearances for the province. He is one of two referees at this years Rugby World Cup who have played professionally as well, the other being New Zealand's Glen Jackson.
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image ©WorldRugby*

WorldRugby have announced their 2015-2016 HSBC Sevens World Series Match Official Panels, and there is a surprise inclusion to the list. 2011 Rugby World Cup Final Referee Craig Joubert has joined the team in a bid to be included in the Match Officials Panel to attend the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
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Jérôme Garcès was born in Pau on 24 October 1973, he is five foot eleven inches and twelve stone eight pounds weight. The 41 year old is married with two children.

In Jérôme's spare time he likes nothing better than watching his young boys playing rugby at Laruns.
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