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How many rugby referees are there in the UK?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 06, 2026

Becoming a referee

The PRU consists of 15 referees and 13 assistant referee and represents the cream of English officials.

How many rugby referees are there?

The match is under the control of the referee and two assistant referees. Depending on the level at which the game is being played, there may be other officials behind the scenes such as a time keeper or television match official to adjudicate on replays.

How much do rugby referees get paid UK?

According to a French report on finances in rugby, Pro14 referees earn around £3,500 per month for officiating in the competition. Meanwhile, Premier League referee salary figures are much higher, with some officials topping the £200,000 mark per year.

How much does a rugby union ref get paid?

The average salary for a referee is $34.25 per hour in Australia.

How much do rugby players get paid UK?

Rugby is England's second most popular winter sport in the UK. However, the wages paid to rugby union players are nowhere near that of their footballing counterparts. In the UK, the average salary of an established premiership rugby player is around 100k-150k pa. At the top end, salaries can go as high as 500-800k pa.

32 related questions found

How long does it take to become a rugby referee?

Minimum duration: Notional hours: 150. Pre-course work: 10 hours. Coursework: 26 hours.

Who is the highest paid rugby player?

Highest paid people in rugby:

  • Nigel Owens £620k (Referee) ...
  • STEVE LUATUA £650k (Bristol Bears) ...
  • OWEN FARRELL £750k (Saracens)

Who is the richest rugby player 2020?

UPDATED | The World's Highest-Paid Rugby Players 2020: Farrell, Itoje, Tuilagi

  • Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks) – £500,000. ...
  • Paddy Jackson (London Irish) – £500,000. ...
  • Sergio Parisse (Toulon) – £500,000. ...
  • Kieran Read (Toyota Verblitz) – £519,000. ...
  • Finn Russell (Racing 92) – £535,000.

How much do Premiership referees get paid?

According to TotalSportek and Sportingfree, the salaries for EPL refs can go up to $92,000 annually. In addition to a yearly retainer that ranges between $50,700 to $55,300 and $1,500 per game. Umpires officiating international matches in the UEFA and European leagues receive up to $263,000.

What is Nigel Owens doing?

He will still be employed by the WRU next season, coaching young refs, and will take charge of the odd club game, while also doing media work. But you won't see him out on the big stage any more. From now on, his main focus will be on his farm in west Wales and his two herds of Hereford cattle.

How much do the British and Irish Lions get paid?

Each player who remains in the squad for the full tour will receive a fee of £750,000. On top of that, should the Lions win the test series, they will also receive a bonus of £10,000. The total fee for the expected 37-man squad amounts to £2.59 million.

How do you become a rugby World referee?

In order to become a qualified referee candidates must attend a level 1 refereeing course. The course consists of practical refereeing and knowledge of the laws. Successful completion of the course allows individuals to referee club rugby up to the age of 16 and Schools rugby up to under 18.

Who is the top rugby referee?

Top 10 All-Time Best Rugby Referees in History

  • Wayne Barnes (England) Embed from Getty Images. For a number of years now, he has been an under-appreciated referee. ...
  • Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa) Embed from Getty Images. ...
  • Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) Embed from Getty Images. ...
  • Stephen Hilditch (Ireland) Embed from Getty Images.

What is a rugby referee called?

SIR is the correct name for the referee. There is only one Sir in a Rugby match.

Who is the world's best rugby referee?

Wayne Barnes (England)

One of the best whistleblowers in the game today!

Who is the best rugby player in the world?

1. Antoine Dupont. Bestowed the crown of World Rugby Player of the Year in 2021, the recent renaissance of French rugby has largely centred around halfback Antoine Dupont.

How much do Toulon players earn?

Toulon have a senior squad of 41 players, 32 of whom are senior internationals. They would also page wages to their academy [espoires] players so their wage bill would be for about 70 men. Toulon's highest earners are Leigh Halfpenny and Matt Giteau, who both earn in the region of €800,000 a season.

What is the salary of an All Black?

Top All Blacks are reportedly paid around $1 million a year. European players have the potentially to boost their income with lucrative test match payments. England's players receive £17,250 per match – down from £23,000 per test in 2019.

How much does jonny wilkinson get paid?

Le Journal du Dimanche reports that Wilkinson, who steered Toulon to the Heineken Cup crown and the Top 14 final last season, will earn €56,000 (£48,155) per month this year having delayed retirement in favour of a new one-year deal April.

How much does Marcus Smith earn rugby?

Smith has two and half years remaining on his current contract, which earns him wages of £460,000 per season, a figure that he wants to increase significantly with his new deal. Here, RUCK looks at the current 10 highest-paid Gallagher Premiership players according to Spotrac, as Smith looks to break in…

What age can you become a rugby referee?

The minimum age to become a rugby union referee is 14.

How do you become a rugby coach?

HOW DO I GET STARTED AS A RUGBY COACH?

  1. Consider the player age group you want to coach.
  2. Talk to a coach at your club. Ask them how they got started and for any advice.
  3. Register for Rugby Ready. This is a perfect starter course on how to deliver safe and enjoyable sessions.

What does a touch judge do in rugby?

A touch judge is an official who monitors the touch-line in a game of rugby union or rugby league and raises a flag if the ball (or player carrying it) goes into touch. Touch judges also stand behind the posts to confirm that a goal has been scored following a penalty kick or conversion of a try.