Wellington rugby referees pull out of games after ongoing abuse

Checkpoint · Jul 6, 2026 · 6m

Wellington rugby referees have pulled out of all games around the capital this coming weekend due to ongoing sideline abuse. The Wellington Rugby Referees Association said so far this season there have been 19 incidents, including three on Saturday. That can be anything from swearing to inappropriate hand gestures. President of the Wellington Rugby Referees Association Ben Van Berkel spoke to Lisa Owen.