Locally hosted referee clinics in the USA
Lead by top match officials, guiding and educating the next generation
Focusing on key match management areas to strengthen the game
Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah are Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Finals host cities

DENVER, Colorado / SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Not only is rugby in the United States getting a boost this September with the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nation Cup 2025 semi-finals and finals being hosted in Denver and Salt Lake City respectively, but it is also set for a major boost in officiating standards as Emirates World Rugby Match Officials will lead two in-depth referee development clinics during the tournament.

The Rocky Mountain Rugby Referee Society will host the first clinic in Denver, Colorado on Thursday, 11 September, followed by the Utah Rugby Referee Society hosting in Salt Lake City, Utah on Thursday, 18 September. These events are part of a growing effort to strengthen the depth, skill, and confidence of referees across the nation, ensuring that players at all levels experience consistent, high-quality officiating.

Led by the tournament’s appointed match officials and World Rugby performance reviewers, the clinics will provide a rare opportunity for American officials to receive direct, hands-on instruction from those who operate at the very highest levels of the game. Each clinic will have two officials from Rugby World Cup 2023 in France in attendance, including Andrew Brace (Ireland) and Craig Evans (Wales) in Denver with Luke Pearce (England) – the most-capped referee on the current World Rugby elite panel – joining Brace in Salt Lake City with officials representing seven nations in total.

Participants will explore a range of critical topics, including:

Game management and control: how to maintain flow, ensure player safety, and promote positive play.
Decision-making under pressure: building confidence to make clear, accurate calls in fast-moving situations.
Communication skills: using verbal and non-verbal cues to manage players, captains, and team staff effectively.
Law updates and interpretations: understanding the latest international standards and their practical application.

Training will include interactive classroom discussions and on-field simulations of real-match scenarios. Attendees will also have the chance to work in small groups with experienced mentors, receive immediate feedback, and develop practical strategies they can apply in upcoming matches.

Johnny Lacey, World Rugby’s Women’s and Men’s Talent ID Manager and a former international referee, emphasised the significance of the initiative.

“Referees are the guardians of the game’s values and the key to a positive player experience. By investing in referee development, we are not just improving officiating quality, we are growing the game and creating pathways for local officials to progress to the highest levels,” said Lacey. “These clinics give aspiring referees the chance to learn from the best, while also building a strong network of support within their own rugby community.”

The clinics are designed for referees of all experience levels, from those officiating their first youth matches to seasoned officials looking to refine their skills and prepare for higher-level assignments. In addition to technical training, participants will be encouraged to think about their own refereeing pathway and the opportunities available within the global rugby ecosystem, from domestic competitions to international test matches.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our referees here in Utah and across the region,” said Jason Shepherd, President of the Utah Rugby Referee Society. “To have World Rugby’s top officials working with us, sharing their knowledge, and demonstrating the standards they apply at the very highest levels is invaluable. These clinics will not only sharpen our technical skills but also strengthen our confidence, consistency, and connection as a referee community. Ultimately, better refereeing means a better experience for every player, coach, and fan, and that’s what we’re here to work towards.”

Both events underscore World Rugby’s and the local societies’ shared vision: to grow, retain, and celebrate officiating talent in the USA. With rugby participation steadily increasing across the country, the demand for well-trained match officials has never been greater.

By hosting these workshops in Denver and Salt Lake City, organisers are also strengthening regional referee networks. Local officials will be able to connect with peers, share experiences, and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the clinic itself.

Event details:

Denver, Colorado: Thursday, 11 September 2025 – Hosted by Rocky Mountain Rugby Referee Society at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado.

Emirates World Rugby Match Officials in attendance: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Eoghan Cross (Ireland), Craig Evans (Wales), Luc Ramos (France), Damián Schneider (Argentina), Tual Trainini (France), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa).

Salt Lake City, Utah: Thursday, 18 September 2025 – Hosted by Utah Rugby Referee Society at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah.

Emirates World Rugby Match Officials in attendance: Mike Adamson (Scotland), Andrew Brace (Ireland), Eoghan Cross (Ireland), Luke Pearce (England), Luc Ramos (France), Damián Schneider (Argentina), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa).

Media wishing to attend these clinics are welcome to liaise with Wade Bricknell at Wade.Bricknell@consultant.worldrugby.org