Ben O'Keeffe

Ben O'Keeffe, is New Zealand’s most experienced rugby union referee, having officiated a record breaking 234 first class games. He is the first New Zealand official to referee 50 international test matches, and is the only New Zealand referee to have been in the middle for more than 100 Super Rugby games. He is known for his excellent communication and calm control of matches at all levels.

He began his officiating career in 2008 at the age of 19 and quickly ascended the ranks, becoming a professional referee for the New Zealand Rugby Union in 2013.

O'Keeffe made his domestic refereeing debut on August 31, 2013, during the ITM Cup match between Auckland and Bay of Plenty. His proficiency led to his selection as an assistant referee in the 2014 Super Rugby season and subsequently officiating the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship final between England and South Africa.

In 2015, O'Keeffe debuted as a referee in Super Rugby and officiated his first international match as an assistant referee during the Pacific Nations Cup.

He has since become a regular figure in international rugby, officiating at major tournaments including the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup in Japan and France where he officiated both the quarter final and semi-final matches. He also holds the rare appointment of being one of only three New Zealand referees to have refereed the All Blacks, when he controlled matches versus Australia and Tonga.

Beyond rugby, O'Keeffe is a qualified medical doctor. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from the University of Otago in 2012. He co-founded oDocs Eye Care, a social enterprise dedicated to developing affordable smartphone-based technology for eye care, aiming to prevent blindness worldwide.

O'Keeffe's dual careers in medicine and rugby officiating highlight his dedication to both fields, making significant contributions to medicine and the sport of rugby.