Jamesty
Rugby is changing quickly, and as the sport grows, the level of officiating needed to keep things fair, honest, and professional at a world-class level also goes up. In 2025, the worldwide rugby scene has seen the best referees rise to the top. These are the officials whose consistency, fitness, decision-making, and leadership have a big impact on the outcome and experience of high-level matches. These referees are the best of the best, making sure that the sport is aggressive yet controlled, fast but fair, and highly competitive while still being based on respect.
Nubia Magazine looked into performance in international competitions, domestic leagues, Rugby World Cup cycles, and cross-continental encounters to produce this list of the Top 10 Best Rugby Referees in the World 2025. It’s harder than ever for referees to do their jobs these days, thanks to video replays, online commentary, and fans all across the world. But the people mentioned here always stay calm under pressure and know the rules of the game inside and out.
These referees do more than just blow the whistle. They deal with different personalities, predict how things will go on the field, and keep in touch with players and support staff. Their presence lends order to chaos, making sure that rapid, physical events on the field never put players’ safety or fairness at risk. Referees are very important to the fun of rugby, but they don’t always get the credit they deserve for the huge duty they have.
This list honors the officials who have earned the trust of players, coaches, experts, and fans. As rugby grows around the world and the level of athletes rises, the referee’s job becomes even more crucial. The people shown below are the best of the best, showing professionalism, accuracy, and a love of the game.
List Of Top 10 Best Rugby Referees In The World 2025
1. Ben O’Keeffe
Ben O’Keeffe has made his place as one of the top modern rugby referees. O’Keeffe is known for being cool, communicating well, and handling high-pressure Test matches better than anybody else. Because of this, he is always chosen to officiate the biggest games in the sport. He has one of the best reads of the game in all of rugby, which lets him make good judgments even when things are really intense. O’Keeffe is in great shape and can often keep up with the fastest backlines in professional rugby. People also appreciate him for getting along well with players. He is firm when he has to be, but he is also courteous and confident. He is still the best choice for big games in the Rugby Championship, Six Nations cross-officiating, and overseas tours in 2025. In 2025, he is the best rugby referee in the world because he is a good leader, always makes the right call, and is always consistent.
2. Berry Nic
Nic Berry has a unique set of skills for his job because he used to play and is now an official. His experience as a professional player helps him comprehend the game’s rhythm, flow, and feelings better. In 2025, Berry is still doing well in both international and Super Rugby games. He is known for being fair and having a solid understanding of the breakdown, which is one of the hardest things for modern officials to perform. Berry is strong because he is clear: his explanations are short, and players trust his decisions. As rugby gets faster and more complicated, Berry stands out because he can stay calm and make decisions. His climb has been gradual and impressive, making him one of the most trusted and regarded referees in international rugby.
3. Davidson Hollie
Hollie Davidson is a pioneer in international rugby officiating. She has earned respect throughout the world for her knowledge and skills. People know her for being professional, making quick decisions, and being very confident in high-stakes games. People all throughout the rugby world admire Davidson for how well she can keep players in line while being cool. Her work as a referee in big competitions, such women’s and men’s international games, has put her among the best referees of 2025. Davidson is the future of rugby officiating: sharp, calm, unflappable, and committed to doing a great job. She is a major step forward for the sport because she shows that being a great referee has nothing to do with gender and everything to do with skill, merit, and performance.
4. Nika Amashukeli
Nika Amashukeli is becoming one of rugby’s best referees. He is known for having a solid understanding of the game and getting along well with players. His voyage from Georgia shows enthusiasm and strength, and he has become a symbol of rugby’s growth around the world. Amashukeli’s approach is confident but not overbearing, which keeps fast-paced games under control without too much interference. He is known for being accurate, fit, and having a deep understanding of rugby rules. He has done a great job of handling big international games. People especially admire how well he communicates—it’s clear, disciplined, and constant, which makes it easy for players to understand what he means. Amashukeli is still a top official in 2025 and has a bright future in elite refereeing.
5. Gardner Angus
Angus Gardner is one of the most experienced referees in the world. He has been in charge of several high-level matches in both the Rugby Championship and Super Rugby. He is a very trustworthy official for important games because he is very professional and knows a lot about the sport. Gardner is well-known for being able to keep things in order while letting the game run freely. This is an important quality for today’s referees. His calmness under pressure and good bond with players make it easy for him to run a match. Gardner has been a top rugby referee for years, and as the game gets more intense physically and strategically, he will continue to be a presence in high-profile games in 2025.
6. Luke Pearce
People love Luke Pearce, an English referee, for his confidence, speed, and clarity. His style of officiating focuses on communication and the flow of the game, which makes for a fair and fun playing environment. Pearce is very accurate because he knows what players want to accomplish, especially when things get complicated, such at scrums and breakdowns. Pearce’s play in the Six Nations, the Premiership Rugby, and global Test matches in 2025 shows that he is known for being fair and in charge. He is a trusted figure among athletes and coaches around the world because he is naturally good at handling arguments between players and keeping respect. Pearce is still one of the best international referees.
7. James Doleman
James Doleman has quickly become one of the best referees, with a solid grasp of how the game should flow and how to run it. Every year, he gets more important jobs because he is always professional and consistent. Doleman’s ability to stay calm and focused during high-pressure games shows that he has the skills needed to be an international referee. Players that appreciate honesty like him because he can keep calm during heated arguments and speaks clearly. Doleman’s continual growth shows both skill and discipline, making him one of the greatest rugby referees in the world in 2025.
8. Matt Carley
People say that Matt Carley is one of the best technical referees in international rugby. He can handle complicated phases with ease since he pays attention to details and knows how to read rules well. Carley strikes a balance between rigorous enforcement and smart flow management to keep matches speedy without sacrificing accuracy. He is a well-known player in large competitions and always gets high-level assignments since he is reliable. Carley’s ability to change even in the middle of a game shows why he is still one of the best referees in 2025. His professionalism and ability to talk to people raise the standards of the sport.
9. Mike Adamson
People know Mike Adamson for his athleticism, speed, and ability to keep up with fast-paced match circumstances. He is both commanding and calm on the field, which helps games go smoothly even when things get tense. Adamson is respected in European and international events because he is fair and willing to explain his decisions properly. His experience as a former player gives him a better knowledge of how the game flows and what players expect. Adamson is still a well-respected referee in 2025, and he is trusted to handle major games, especially those that need great levels of fitness and rapid thinking. He stays at the top of the world of refereeing because he wants to get better.
10. Karl Dickson
Karl Dickson finishes this list with steady and sure performances in Premiership Rugby, European competitions, and international matches. Dickson is a good referee for tough, high-stakes games because he is confident, communicates clearly, and makes good decisions. He is especially good at keeping players in line and making sure that respect stays at the heart of the sport. Dickson’s consistent growth is a result of his dedication, deep understanding of rugby rules, and ability to handle stress. He is still one of the most trusted referees in the world in 2025, and he has done a lot to make modern rugby fair and high-quality.
