NSW Rugby is extremely excited by the success of the new Junior Referee Academy. The program, the first of its kind in Australia, commenced in late November 2025 and has brought together 15 of the state’s best emerging referees, who have been working hard throughout the off-season.
A key focus of the Academy is strength and conditioning. The program has been fortunate to base one training day per week at the Rugby Australia gym in Moore Park. With an emphasis on speed, fitness, and agility, the referees have been putting in the hard work to prepare for the 2026 season and beyond.
Away from the gym, the Academy referees have also had valuable opportunities to develop their on-field skills and professional understanding.
They received a presentation from Brendan McKibbon, Rugby Australia’s Match Official Pathway Manager, on the referee profile and pathway, as well as a goal-setting session delivered by Ella Goldsmith, who recently officiated the Bronze Medal match at the Women’s World Cup.
Additional sessions have covered topics such as nutrition for high-performing athletes, decision-making under pressure, scrum management, and empathy.
Strength and conditioning training will continue throughout the off-season, with most Academy referees in action this weekend at the Academy Games in Bathurst.
The program will conclude with the referees acting as Assistant Referees at the prestigious Kiama Sevens tournament at the end of February, before they continue their development through the Sydney Referee Youth Academy.
This inaugural Junior Referee Academy is an exciting initiative, and NSW Rugby looks forward to following the progress of these talented referees throughout this season and into the future.
