12 Jun Leinster Rugby Trainee Referee Programme This September
Following our recent Annual General Meeting, Navan RFC has committed to a strict ZERO-tolerance policy regarding match official abuse. Part of our proactive, positive action framework is to actively promote, recruit, and coach new referees from right here within our own club community.
Without referees, we don’t have a game. Whether you are a recently retired player looking to stay in the thick of the action, a coach wanting to deepen your law knowledge, or a youth member eager to step up, Leinster Rugby needs you.
Recruitment is now officially open for the next Trainee Referee Programme, kicking off this September 2026. Whether your goal is to referee elite national lines in the Energia All-Ireland League or to support age-grade grassroots games right here in Meath, there is a clear and welcoming place for you.
Programme Requirements & Steps
The programme is open to anyone aged 18 to 59 who wants to take up refereeing as a fulfilling hobby and join a thriving provincial association.
Getting started involves just a few straightforward, highly supported steps:
- Welcome to Refereeing Module (Online): Wednesday, 2nd September 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM. An introduction to the absolute basics of the whistle.
- Ready to Referee Module (In-Person): Saturday, 5th September 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM at the Westmanstown Sports and Conference Centre.
- Take to the Pitch: Once these initial blocks are complete, you become an official Trainee Referee! You will be appointed to local Age-Grade games and run the touchlines alongside experienced officials.
- On-Field Support: You will never be left isolated. Dedicated mentors will accompany you on your early assignments to offer real-time advice and encouragement.
- Continuous Development: Throughout your first season, you will attend specialist workshops covering technical game areas like the breakdown, scrum, and lineout, as well as communication and positioning. Once your fitness, ability, and commitment are demonstrated, you will be ratified as a full member.
The Benefits of Putting on the Kit
- Stay in the Thick of the Action: It is the closest you can possibly get to playing the game you love.
- Peak Fitness: Refereeing gives you a fantastic, structured incentive to maintain high levels of cardiovascular fitness.
- Exclusive Provincial Kit: Full members are supplied with official refereeing gear provided by Leinster Rugby’s designated provincial kit partner.
- Ticket Access: Acceptance brings automatic membership into the Leinster Rugby Referees Association, unlocking exclusive internal ticket allocations.
- Brilliant Social Network: Forge lifelong friendships and connect with a unique, tight-knit community of rugby minds across the province.
Prefer to Keep it Local? The Affiliate Route
If you aren’t ready to travel the province and only wish to referee internal youth matches, school games, or mini blitzes right here at Balreask Old, you can instead opt for the online IRFU Affiliate Referee Course.
To discuss the best pathway for you, contact our dedicated Navan RFC Referee Coordinator: Sean Dinneen: +353 (0)87 8219794
How to Apply Now
To secure your place for the September 2026 intake, register your interest directly with the province’s recruitment team. Contact Seán Gallagher (Leinster Referee Development Manager) at:
For a comprehensive breakdown of the program, you can also read the official notice on the Leinster Rugby Website.
Let’s lead by example, change the sideline culture, and get the Navy and Sky Blue represented in the refereeing ranks this season!