The England vs Australia referee has been confirmed for this Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series clash at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
The match will take place at the historic Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, a ground steeped in rugby tradition and capable of hosting over 82,000 roaring fans.
RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
Ben O’Keeffe: The Doctor-Turned-Referee
Ben O’Keeffe isn’t your average match official. Beyond the whistle, O’Keeffe is a qualified doctor, a rare credential in the world of professional rugby refereeing. With a medical degree from the University of Otago, O’Keeffe once dedicated himself to treating eye conditions, even practicing as an ophthalmologist. His medical expertise has undoubtedly given him a unique edge, especially in dealing with player welfare and understanding the physical demands placed on athletes.
A Family Rooted in Sport
O’Keeffe’s athletic understanding isn’t just academic; it runs in his blood. His brother, Michael O’Keeffe, is a former professional footballer who represented New Zealand at the London 2012 Olympic Games. With such a strong sporting pedigree, Ben’s journey from medical school to rugby pitches worldwide seems almost inevitable.
A Familiar Face for England and Australia
Ben O’Keeffe is well acquainted with both England and Australia, having officiated numerous high-stakes matches involving these teams. Known for his composed and authoritative presence on the field, O’Keeffe has a reputation for managing games with clarity and fairness. However, he’s no stranger to controversy either, as every top-tier referee inevitably finds themselves at the heart of intense match moments.
The Importance of the Clash
This showdown between England and Australia at Twickenham is crucial for both sides. England will be looking to solidify their momentum under new leadership, while Australia aims to lay down a marker as they continue to rebuild. Fans can expect a high-octane game, with Ben O’Keeffe’s decisions possibly playing a pivotal role in the outcome.
So, as rugby enthusiasts gear up for Saturday’s spectacle, the focus will not only be on the players but also on the man in the middle, whose career path has uniquely blended medicine and sport.
This weekend’s referee’s, including England vs Australia referee.
Bristol v Australia XV
Referee: Craig Evans (Wal)
ARs: Sara Cox (Eng) & George Selwood (Eng)
TMO: Dan Jones (Eng)
Ireland vs New Zealand referee
Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)
ARs: Karl Dickson (Eng) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Aus)
Hong Kong China v Brazil
Referee: Reuben Keane (Aus)
ARs: Katsuki Furuse (Jpn) & Morgan White (HK)
England vs Australia referee
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZR)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Paul Williams (NZ)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZR)
France v Japan
Referee: Damian Schneider (Arg)
ARs: Luke Pearce (Eng) & James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)
Italy v Argentina
Referee: Matt Carley (Eng)
ARs: Andrew Brace (Ire) & Adam Leal (Eng)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Sco)
Spain v Uruguay
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ire)
ARs: Chris Busby (Ire) & TBC
TMO: Quinton Immelman (SA)
Romania v Tonga
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
ARs: Morné Ferreira (Sco) & Federico Vedovelli (Ita)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Portugal v USA
Referee: Sam Grove White (Sco)
ARs: Takehito Namekawa (Jpn) & TBC
TMO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)
Canada v Chile
Referee: Angus Mabey (NZ)
ARs: Morné Ferreira (Sco) & Federico Vedovelli (Ita)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Georgia v All Blacks XV
Referee: Jordan Way (Aus)
ARs: Jeremy Rozier (Fra) & Aimee Barrett Theron (SA)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ire)
Wales v Fiji
Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)
ARs: Pierre Brousset (Fra) & Hollie Davidson (Sco)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
Scotland v South Africa
Referee: Christophe Ridley (Eng)
ARs: Angus Gardner (Aus) & Craig Evans (Wal)
TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)
Bookies Reckon This is the Lions Squad for the 2025 Aussie Tour – And Some Picks Will Surprise You
The British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2025 is generating excitement, with bookies now tipping a likely squad.
While a few seasoned players seem almost guaranteed, there are some unexpected names rumored to earn their stripes.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
The back-three boasts a dynamic mix, with Duhan van der Merwe and James Lowe bringing powerful running and finishing ability. Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are tipped to add youthful flair and speed, while Hugo Keenan and Darcy Graham round out the squad with their solid defensive skills.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
In the centre, Bundee Aki is a strong favorite for his physicality, while Ollie Lawrence has made a name for himself with his impressive form. Sione Tuipulotu and Robbie Henshaw provide additional versatility and experience.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
The fly-half selection highlights Finn Russell’s creativity and flair, with Marcus Smith and George Ford both showcasing tactical nous and playmaking ability.
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
- George Ford (England) – 8/11
SCRUM-HALVES (3)
A competitive scrum-half group sees Jamison Gibson-Park favored for his quick service and decision-making, while Alex Mitchell and Ben White are both strong contenders.
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 8/11
- Alex Mitchell (England) – 11/10
- Ben White (Scotland) – 11/10
PROP (3)
The front row is anchored by stalwarts like Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter, while Ellis Genge and Joe Marler add depth and experience.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 1/8
- Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/7
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland) – 4/11
- Ellis Genge (England) – 4/6
- Joe Marler (England) – 5/6
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) – 5/4
HOOKER (3)
With Dan Sheehan leading the way, the hookers are expected to be agile and mobile, crucial for the fast-paced style of play the Lions aim to adopt.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 1/10
- Jamie George (England) – 8/15
- Elliot Dee (Wales) – 6/5
LOCK (5)
In the locks, Maro Itoje remains a cornerstone, complemented by Tadhg Beirne’s athleticism and versatility.
- Maro Itoje (England) – 1/33
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) – 1/10
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 4/6
- Ollie Chessum (England) – 8/11
- George Martin (England) – 11/10
BACK-ROW (6)
Finally, the back row combines experience and dynamism, with Josh van der Flier and Courtney Lawes bringing a wealth of international experience and physicality.
- Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ben Earl (England) – 1/5
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
- Courtney Lawes (England) – 8/15
- Tommy Reffell (Wales) – 4/6
- Rory Darge (Scotland) – 6/4
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EDITORS PICKS:
- Huge blow for Scotland as Darcy Graham will miss Springboks clash
- RFU issues statements in defence of former boss Eddie Jones after allegations surface
- England team to play Australia: Borthwick names XV early again
- Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll went viral for incident at an airport
- England forward has been handed a big ban following altercation with a fan
