The Ref's Call: Memoir of a Rugby Referee by Owen Doyle
Synopsis
In his new memoir, Irish Times columnist and former Test match referee, Owen Doyle gives us a behind the scenes glimpse into the high-pressured world of International Rugby Union.From his early schoolboy dreams of playing for his country, to his decision to become a referee, to taking charge of the Five Nations, touring internationals and a World Cup, Doyle examines the good days and the bad, the famous and infamous occasions of his career, the hard choices and the fallouts from decisions he made through the years.
Written in his own inimitable style, Doyle charts the years following his retirement where he ran the referee department of the Irish Rugby Football Union and was involved in coaching the most successful generation of referees in its history, and he looks at the challenges facing modern rugby, particularly the issues of concussion and dementia, and the brutal collision style of play. Covering over forty years of rugby, this is a uniquely told insider perspective of the great game.
Reviews
'A genuine presence on the field, Owen refereed with the perfect balance of respect and authority' Keith Wood
'Highly respected with vast experience and knowledge, Owen Doyle contributed hugely to the world of rugby refereeing, both on and off the field' Nigel Owens
'Owen Doyle was a highly respected referee who officiated matches with passion, commitment, knowledge and, occasionally, some great humour' Will Carling
About the Author
Owen Doyle is a former International Rugby Union Referee, retiring in 1994. He was Director of Referees IRFU from 1995 to 2015 and Elite Referee Coach from 2015 to 2017. Now a rugby columnist with the Irish Times, Owen Doyle lives in Dublin.