Australian referees work within a fully integrated ‘hands on’ referee program as an important part of the HPU. The referees are fully committed to improvement through a coordinated program with the national referee coach which utilises the current HPU (Wallaby) staff and their expertise.
This time in the office at ARU early in the week, provides an opportunity for complete game analysis, game management, preparation for games, tapping into Wallaby coaching expertise, as well as a coordinated strength & conditioning program.
Some referees have been talent identified specifically for 7s and have benefited again from immersion in the HPU 7s programs.
The HPU Referee program have also identified and recruited two former premier grade players in Brisbane who will be fast tracked under the guidance of our national referee coaches.
| Stuart Dickinson |
|
DOB: 19/07/1968 |
| Super Rugby Debut: 1996 |
| Super Rugby Matches: 86 |
| Test Debut: 1997, Papua New Guinea v Tahiti |
| Test Matches: 51 |
|
Pre Game Rituals:
I always make sure that I have all my gear packed, so I don’t forget anything. I also usually take a walk around the ground to soak up the atmosphere and ensure that I just enjoy the moment.
Refereeing Highlight:
1998 – Wales v South Africa - Wembley
1999 – RWC – Ireland v Argentina
2007 – RWC – Wales v Fiji
Funny Ref's Story:
Two Super Rugby Captains who decided that after the coin was tossed they would both go onto the ground and do a ‘dead ant’ together and then get up to see who had won the call.
|
| Nathan Pearce |
|
DOB: 23/06/1975 |
| Super Rugby Debut: 2008 |
| Super Rugby Matches: 5 |
| Test Debut: 2009, Tonga v Fiji |
| Test Matches: 6 |
|
Pre Game Rituals:
I try to get a swim in, the morning of the game. I find it relaxing.
Refereeing Highlight:
The Mazda Australian Rugby Championship Semi-final in 2007. It was such an amazing fast game. Also, my first test - standing between the Tongan and Fijian sides during their war dance.
Funny Ref's Story:
A collision with Ben Mowen of the Waratahs where i came off second best.
|
| Ian Smith |
 |
DOB: 01/02/1979 |
| Super Rugby Debut: 2008 |
| Super Rugby Matches: 10 |
| Test Debut: 2008, Samoa v Tonga |
| Test Matches: 1 |
|
Pre Game Rituals:
Watch a game of rugby before i head to the ground to mentally focus.
Refereeing Highlight:
My Super Rugby debut at Carisbrook between Highlanders v Sharks. It was a nail biting encounter, with the Highlanders nearly pulling off the upset of the year. Sharks came away with the win, 19 - 17.
Funny Ref's Story:
In that same debut I stepped backwards onto a player and ended up base over apex... then gave him the filthiest look like it was his fault. I apologised to him later over a beer.
|
| Steve Walsh |
 |
DOB: 28/03/1972 |
| Super Rugby Debut: 1997 |
| Super Rugby Matches: 65 |
| Test Debut: 1998, Argentina v France |
| Test Matches: 38 |
Pre Game Rituals:
None. I have always been scared that if I had rituals and somehow they got mucked up it would make me nervous. So i just go with the flow.
Refereeing Highlight:
2007 Super Rugby Final - Played in Durban in front of a full house, with a fantasitc atmosphere. The Bulls got up and won in extra time through a try to Brian Habana. On review the Sharks were the better side but through tenacity and great leadership, the Bulls stuck to it and got up for an incredible win.
|
| Andrew Lees |
 |
DOB: 07/06/1979 |
| IRB 7's Debut: Adelaide, 2008 |
| IRB 7's Tournaments: 18 |
| IRB 7's Cup Finals: 10 (Wellington 2008, 2009, RWC 7's Dubai 2009, Hong Kong 2009, 2010, Adelaide 2009, 2010, 2011, Las Vegas 2011, London 2011) |
| Other Stats: Super Rugby Assistant Referee 2009 - 2011, ITM Cup 2009, Currie Cup 2010 |
Pre Game Rituals:
Watching music videos on TV, drinking Powerade with lunch. Also, blowing into my whistle the wrong way to warm it up.
Refereeing Highlight:
2007 Super Rugby Final - Played in Durban in front of a full house, with a fantasitc atmosphere. The Bulls got up and won in extra time through a try to Brian Habana. On review the Sharks were the better side but through tenacity and great leadership, the Bulls stuck to it and got up for an incredible win.
Funny Ref's Story:
Refereeing a third grade match in Sydney I copped a close quarters falcon (ball to the head) from a kick. Provided plenty of entertainment for the players and spectators
|
Australian HPU Referee Structure:
- National Programs Manager - Anthony Eddy
- HPU National Referee Coach - Andrew Cole
- Referee Administrator - Kelly Swan
- National Referee Selectors - Wayne Erickson, Andrew Cole, Scott Young
- National Referee Coaches - Andrew Cole, Mick Tanzer, John McCarthy
- National A Panel - Stuart Dickinson, Nathan Pearce, Steve Walsh, Ian Smith
- National B Panel - Angus Gardner, Steve Hardy, Stephen Hill, James Leckie, Andrew lees, Damien Mitchelmore, Simon Moore, Julian Pritchard
- Television Match Official - George Ayoub, Matt Goddard, Steve Leszczynski