Ben O'Keefe, Referee - Abuse from Rugby Fans, 2023 World Cup, Was Richie McCaw A Cheat?
Episode Description
Dr. Ben O'Keefe is one of the world’s Best rugby referees.
He is also a doctor who specializes in Ophthalmology (fancy word for eye stuff).
He made headlines for the death threats and social media backlash he experienced after he reffed the super rugby final this year between the Crusaders and the Chiefs.
At the time of releasing this episode he is busy representing New Zealand as an official referee at the RWC in France. His games include France Vs Uraguay, Japan Vs Argentina and South Africa Vs Ireland.
In this conversation we explore Ben’s journey from general medicine to ophthalmology, his passion for rugby, and how he balances both these intense careers.
I invited Ben on after he blew up on Instagram by sharing some of the gross comments he got after the super rugby final. Also, he is just an inspiring New Zealander who is kicking serious life goals and probably doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.
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This video was produced by Jack Henderson Email: @[email protected]
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Brief Summary
Dr. Ben O'Keefe discusses balancing his career as a rugby referee and eye doctor, facing public scrutiny, and preparing for the World Cup.
Key points
- From Medicine to Rugby. Dr. O'Keefe shares his journey from aspiring surgeon to professional referee.
- A Balancing Act. Dr. O'Keefe explains how he balances his medical career with rugby refereeing.
- The Weight of Red Cards. Giving a red card carries significant weight and can impact a player's career.
- The Challenge of Refereeing. Refereeing requires balancing strict rule enforcement with maintaining the flow of the game.
- Accountability in Refereeing. Referees face scrutiny and accountability for their decisions, often behind the scenes.
- Accountability in Refereeing. Referees send clips for review, ensuring accountability and learning from mistakes.
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Episode highlights
- From Medicine to RugbyDr. O'Keefe shares his journey from aspiring surgeon to professional referee.“I realized quickly that I didn't really like actual medicine.”1:40Sep 17, 2023
- A Balancing ActDr. O'Keefe explains how he balances his medical career with rugby refereeing.“I would probably work maybe one to two days a week.”12:20Sep 17, 2023
- The Weight of Red CardsGiving a red card carries significant weight and can impact a player's career.“When you give a red card, it's a massive stain on someone's reputation.”23:41Sep 17, 2023
- The Challenge of RefereeingRefereeing requires balancing strict rule enforcement with maintaining the flow of the game.“You want to keep the flow in the game but you don't want it to be loose.”30:39Sep 17, 2023
- Accountability in RefereeingReferees face scrutiny and accountability for their decisions, often behind the scenes.“There is a lot of accountability, but it’s just not public.”38:59Sep 17, 2023
- Accountability in RefereeingReferees send clips for review, ensuring accountability and learning from mistakes.“Accountability comes in where we will send in our clips.”44:15Sep 17, 2023
- The Impact of Social MediaThe backlash referees face on social media can be overwhelming and harsh.“The backlash was just unprecedented; I couldn't believe it.”57:31Sep 17, 2023
- Taking a StandThe speaker reflects on the risks of speaking out against abuse in rugby.“I thought, no, this is an angle where it’s not about feeling sorry for me.”1:05:17Sep 17, 2023
