Tag Archives: Rugby

First Test cliffhanger


We returned from Suncorp Stadium Brisbane late on Saturday night. The one-hour coach ride allowed pulses to settle to normal levels after the last-minute drama surrounding the scrum that led to a penalty that Beale couldn’t convert. The 21-23 win … Continue reading

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Lions Tour – before the first test


The noble readers of this blog might have noticed that I have been quiet recently, mostly because my wife and I have departed on a three-week tour of Australia to follow the British and Irish Lions as they play three … Continue reading

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Snowy rugby weekend in Rome


Last weekend, I was in Rome for the Six Nations clash between Italy and England. An uneventful flight from Dublin to Rome’s Fiumicino airport (FCO) was marred only by the slow baggage delivery. FCO took 50 minutes to get bags … Continue reading

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The pain of CDG transits


Is there another airport in the world that rivals CDG-Paris in terms of its ability to infuriate passengers through senseless bus journeys from one part of the airport to another? This thought came to my mind as I endured yet … Continue reading

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Blast from the past (1994)


On November 5th, 1994 Ireland played the USA Eagles at Lansdowne Road, Dublin. The game ended in a 26-15 win for Ireland and it was the first time that I participated in an international rugby match. In those days the … Continue reading

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Paris and Toulouse in one rugby weekend


This past weekend I travelled to Paris and Toulouse to be the TV Match Official (TMO) for two games in the opening round of the 2011-12 Heineken Cup campaign. First up was the game between Racing Metro 92 and Cardiff … Continue reading

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September 2011 wrap-up


Lots has happened during September, much of which I have covered in other posts. This post serves as a wrap-up for other bits and pieces that I haven’t managed to get to over the month. First, a recommendation for rugby … Continue reading

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Tales of the unproductive TMO


I fear that I am the most unproductive TMO in rugby. The last six matches that I have been involved in have seen just one potential try decision referred to me (480 minutes for one decision, very low productivity). I … Continue reading

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Cameras and the TMO


Following on my post describing some of the challenges facing officials engaged in professional rugby, I received some notes asking me what kind of TV camera angles are available to a TMO when they are asked by a referee to give … Continue reading

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Travel challenges in professional refereeing


Being part of the refereeing team that works professional matches sounds interesting to people who are fans of the different sports that support professional teams and it is truly wonderful and privileged to be a part of massive sporting events … Continue reading

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