# Rugby Ref Ben O'Keefe on Abuse from Chiefs Fans following Crusaders 2023 Win **RE-RELEASE**

An episode of [The Dom Harvey Podcast](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1590931602), 20 Jun 2025, 1 h 44 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/637edd2f571c7c0011b83a32/e/6854c6a6412e0f0fbf8baab4/media.mp3

Dr. Ben O'Keeffe is one of the best rugby referees in the world—and he's also a fully qualified doctor, specializing in ophthalmology. This episode first dropped in 2023, shortly after Ben made headlines for the intense backlash (including death threats) he received after officiating the Super Rugby Final between the Crusaders and the Chiefs. Since the Super Rugby 2025 final is again between these two fierce rivals, I thought I'd re-release the episode ICYMI the first time round. In this conversation, we unpack Ben’s unique double life as a top-level rugby referee and an eye surgeon. We talk about his journey through medicine, his passion for the game, and how he deals with pressure, criticism, and the spotlight that comes with both careers. I originally invited Ben on the podcast after his honest Instagram post went viral—calling out some of the horrific messages he received post-match. But beyond the drama, he's just a bloody inspiring Kiwi, doing incredible things with humility and focus. If you missed this episode the first time around, now’s the perfect time to catch up. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bens Dual Career 02:55 The Journey Through Medicine 05:48 Transitioning from Medicine to Refereeing 09:10 Balancing Rugby and Medicine 12:00 The Life of a Professional Referee 14:52 Understanding the Game and Its Rules 18:00 Decision Making Under Pressure 20:52 The Impact of Refereeing Decisions 23:56 The Role of a Referee in the Game 27:09 Refereeing as a Career Choice 30:00 Training and Preparation for Referees 33:01 The Importance of Experience in Refereeing 36:16 Understanding Referee-Player Dynamics 39:25 Accountability in Refereeing 43:38 Review Processes and Continuous Improvement 49:14 The Impact of Social Media on Referees 54:57 Navigating Public Criticism and Mental Health 01:01:01 The Role of Support and Community in Refereeing 01:10:44 Referee Relationships with Players 01:14:36 The Dynamics of Refereeing 01:16:20 Nervousness and Preparation Before Games 01:19:34 Emotional Challenges and Accountability 01:22:21 Learning from Mistakes and Apologies 01:23:49 Controversial Decisions and Their Impact 01:24:51 Weird Rules and Laws in Rugby 01:26:36 The Importance of the Whistle 01:28:56 Referee Milestones and Achievements 01:30:59 World Cup Aspirations and Team Dynamics 01:33:45 Media Attention and Public Perception 01:36:29 The Future of Refereeing and Safety Concerns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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