Ben O’Keeffe will referee the SA vs France Rugby World Cup game.
Images via Instagram:
@okeeffe.ben
Neutral? Who is SA vs France referee Ben O’Keeffe? [photos]
The match hasn’t even begun, but Springboks fans are already wary of ref Ben O’Keeffe. Here’s a look at the man behind the SA vs France game.
Ben O’Keeffe will referee the SA vs France Rugby World Cup game.
Images via Instagram:
@okeeffe.ben
New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe will be the maker or breaker at this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final between South Africa’s Springboks and France.
The game kicks off on Sunday, 15 October, at the Stade De France.
ALSO READ: Jacques Nienaber: Who is the ‘first family’ behind Boks coach?
BEN O’KEEFFE TO REF SA VS FRANCE GAME
In a social media post by the Rugby World Cup, four referees from around the world were announced as the officials of the quarter-final games, set to take place this weekend.
ALSO READ: ‘Flew him up for nothing’: Outrage over Lukhanyo Am’s Springboks squad exclusion
They are:
- Jaco Peyper (SA) – Wales vs Argentina
- Wayne Barnes (England) – Ireland vs New Zealand
- Mathieu Raynal (France) – England vs Fiji
- Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) – SA vs France
Springboks fans are familiar with O’Keeffe, who was the referee in SA’s pool clash with Ireland.
5 INTERESTING FACTS
He studied medicine and is a practising ophamologist
Ben O’Keeffe has two passions: refereeing and medicine. The eye doctor co-founded a company, oDocs Eye Care, which seeks to make medical technology accessible and affordable to everyone.
ALSO READ: ‘No bang gats’: Rassie’s Springboks description has fans howling [watch]
He was one of the youngest refs in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Ben made his World Cup debut in 2019 at the age of 30 years old. He refereed three pool games.
He was a match official in the final SA vs England game.
Ben O’Keeffe was there when the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis trophy after defeating England in the final.
He has a famous brother – footballer Michael O’Keeffe.
The younger sibling played for the New Zealand football team.
ALSO READ: Confirmed: Springboks to wear green and gold, but fans have questions
He has spoken about being trolled
In an Instagram post, Ben O’Keeffe revealed the extent of fan abuse – and even death threats. He shared: “Abuse in any form is never OK…
“It’s a sad reality that it doesn’t affect me anymore, but that doesn’t mean it’s ok”.
