Who Am I

Dr Ben O’Keeffe is an international rugby referee from New Zealand, officiating at the highest levels of the game across major test matches, Super Rugby, and global tournaments. Widely respected for his calm presence, clarity of communication, and ability to make accurate decisions under pressure, he brings a high-performance mindset to every match he controls.

Ben has built his refereeing career through a relentless commitment to improvement, combining experience, preparation, and reflection to consistently perform on the world stage. He is New Zealand’s most experienced referee, holding national records for the most first-class matches, Super Rugby fixtures, and test matches officiated by a New Zealand referee.

His international appointments include two Rugby World Cups (Japan 2019 and France 2023), where he was selected for knockout-stage matches, including both a quarter-final and semi-final in 2023. He has also been appointed to two British & Irish Lions series, officiating in South Africa in 2021 and Australia in 2025 - a recognition reserved for the game’s top officials.

Alongside his refereeing career, Ben is a medical doctor, applying the same precision, discipline, and decision-making required on the field into clinical practice. This dual career has shaped his approach to performance, resilience, and leadership.

Passionate about developing the next generation of referees, Ben provides coaching, education, and performance insights to referees around the world. Through video review, on-field coaching, and structured learning, he helps referees improve positioning, game awareness, communication, and decision-making - enabling them to perform with greater confidence and consistency.

Ben’s mission is simple: to raise standards, share knowledge, and help others unlock their potential - both on and off the field.