Life From The Sidelines
As wives to professional athletes and athletes in our own right, we bring a unique perspective to the world of sports. We understand the sacrifices, the highs and lows and the hard work that goes into being an athlete. But we also know the importance of humanizing athletes and showing their personal side beyond statistics and scores.
With our feminine approach to sports and sports commentating, we aim to bring a fresh perspective to the industry. We believe that there is a need for more diverse voices in sports media and we are here to fill that void. We want to share our own personal experiences as athletes and partners to one, and also shed light and insights on the journeys of others who navigate this space.
Through our writing and commentary, we hope to inspire and empower others to pursue their dreams, both on and off the field. We want to show that athletes are more than just their performance and that their personal stories and struggles make them relatable and HUMAN.
Life From The Sidelines
Episode 25 Human First, Ref Second: Ben O’Keeffe’s Transformative Approach to the Game
In this special episode of LFTSL, we sit down with Ben O’Keeffe, the renowned international rugby referee from New Zealand who has officiated at two Rugby World Cups, recently reached 100 Super Rugby games, and is now celebrating a personal milestone—his engagement to Wilhelmina! Ben shares his remarkable journey, from his childhood days in New Zealand playing sports to the steps he took to become a top-tier referee, balancing the pressure of the global stage with his equally impressive career in the medical field.
Dive into Ben’s experience officiating high-stakes matches across hemispheres, hear how he learned to speak French for Top 14 matches, and discover how he manages co-founding oDocs Eye Care while also providing anti-wrinkle treatments in Auckland! If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to excel in such diverse fields—both on and off the pitch—this episode is a must-listen. Plus, learn about the tight-knit community of rugby referees and the mental resilience tools needed to thrive amid controversy and high expectations.
Tune in to hear:
- Ben’s early life and the spark that led him to pursue refereeing.
- Refereeing at the Rugby World Cup—the pinnacle of a ref’s career.
- The balancing act of being a world-class referee and a medical professional.
- Key advice for aspiring referees who dream of breaking into the big leagues.
Join us for a conversation that will entertain, inspire, and give you a whole new appreciation for the critical role referees play in the world of rugby!
