From the middle: A world-class referee’s view
OPINION: Few voices carry more weight in the modern game than that of a referee who has lived the laws at the highest level.
In this column, former international referee Freek Burger draws on decades of experience as a referee manager, World Cup citing commissioner, and technical advisor on laws and discipline to unpack the game as it is officiated today.
From law application and referee accountability to player welfare, consistency, and the spirit of the game, Burger offers an informed, balanced perspective on the issues that spark debate every weekend.
This is not about blaming officials, coaches, or players; it is about understanding responsibility, judgement and how rugby can be refereed better, not louder, in an evolving era.
Down the years, one phrase has echoed through rugby circles: “Don’t referee the laws, referee the game.”
Yet today, the noise around officiating is louder than ever. Too many penalties, too much inconsistency, and an ever-growing frustration that referees are strangling the flow of the game.
The call is simple: the laws must be clearer and simpler if we expect consistency from those enforcing them.
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Modern rugby has also become a kicking contest, bringing with it more aerial challenges, more accidental head contact, and inevitably, more cards. Which begs the question: what is the true object of the game?
Rugby is about two teams competing in a fair and sporting spirit; carrying, passing, kicking, and grounding the ball to score as many points as possible. It is, and always has been, a physical game, one that carries inherent risk. That reality makes player welfare paramount.
Playing within the laws is non-negotiable. Players have a responsibility to be physically and technically prepared to operate within them. Coaches, too, must ensure their teams understand how to comply with the laws, play fairly, and practise safe conduct.
And the referee? The referee is the sole judge of fact and law, tasked with applying those laws fairly, consistently, and in the spirit of the game.
All of this rests on the core principles of rugby:
Integrity. Passion. Solidarity. Discipline. Respect.
So, let’s get down to business.
One question has followed me throughout my career: who is responsible, and who is accountable, for the referee and his team managing 21 laws every Saturday?
After every match, there are incidents to analyse and conversations to be had. Not to criticise referees, coaches, or players, but to understand decisions and improve the game. Judgement plays a massive role in refereeing, and that is something I will unpack in the weeks ahead.
Looking forward, law innovations are set to be trialled in 2026, and it’s already clear that not all coaches are on board. We will also revisit some fundamental laws that need renewed focus.
This column is about discussion, education, and problem-solving. I welcome debate, comments, and differing views from the rugby public.
Enjoy the Six Nations, and here’s to some good rugby and good refereeing.
By Freek Burger
