New Zealand’s Ben O’Keeffe is one of many referees in France for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
It is the 34-year-old’s second match, having taken cost of three pool video games because the youngest on-field official 4 years in the past in Japan.
Born in Blenheim on New Zealand’s South Island, O’Keeffe began refereeing on the age of 19 and stepped up into the skilled ranks 5 years later.
He was elevated to a primary worldwide fixture in 2015 as an assistant, earlier than a refereeing debut in June 2016 overseeing a draw between Samoa and Japan.
A 3-time recipient of the New Zealand referee of the 12 months award, O’Keeffe was chosen to take cost of the second British and Irish Lions take a look at in South Africa in 2021, earlier than making the 12-strong listing of referees for this 12 months’s World Cup.
A certified ophthalmologist, O’Keeffe’s brother Michael represented New Zealand on the London Olympics and is now a sports activities reporter.
He has been appointed because the referee for 3 pool video games on the World Cup.
Which video games is Ben O’Keeffe refereeing on the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
France v Uruguay – Pool A (14 September, Lille)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: Paul Williams (NZ) & James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wal)
South Africa v Ireland – Pool B (23 September, Paris)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: Mathieu Raynal (Fra) & James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (NZ)
Japan v Argentina – Pool D (8 October, Nantes)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: Paul Williams (NZ) & James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (NZ)
Discussion about this post