5 Angus Gardner
Gardner’s approachable, conversation-driven style has made him one of the most recognisable referees in the world. Starting young and rising quickly, he was named World Rugby Referee of the Year in 2018.
Some prefer stricter officiating, but Gardner’s steady hand in high-profile matches has earned him global respect.
4 Nika Amashukeli
Resilience defines Amashukeli’s journey. Early in his career he was attacked after a domestic game — a moment that would have ended many refereeing paths. Instead he pushed forward, eventually reaching the Rugby World Cup stage.
He’s admired for his honesty, knowledge, and willingness to communicate openly. Even amid occasional controversy, his integrity stands out.
3 Hollie Davidson
A trailblazer in rugby officiating, Davidson became the first woman to referee both a European final and a Springboks Test. Known for her composed leadership and sharp decision-making, she’s often described as professional and quietly authoritative.
Focused on performance rather than publicity, she continues to redefine excellence in refereeing.
2 Nic Berry
Berry’s first career as a halfback ended abruptly due to concussions, but refereeing offered a second chapter — one he’s embraced fully. His rise into the elite ranks has been rapid, though not without controversy, especially during the Lions series in South Africa.
Still, his calmness and player empathy have earned him loyal supporters.
1 Ben O’Keeffe
O’Keeffe is widely seen as the standard-setter in modern rugby refereeing. Known for staying composed under pressure, he holds national records for Test and first-class appearances and has overseen everything from World Cups to Lions clashes.
Despite facing intense online criticism at times, his measured responses and consistent performances have earned him broad admiration. Many consider him the most reliable referee in the world today.
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