WATCH: Trailer released for fascinating referees documentary

World Rugby has today released the official trailer for Whistleblowers, a ground-breaking film documenting the lives and experiences of the World Rugby Match Referees at the men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

The film will premiere on RugbyPass TV on 1 February. 

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With exclusive access to the “toughest job in sport”, a statement said “Whistleblowers gives viewers an unprecedented insight into the pressures and emotions of the world’s top match officials as they preside over matches on rugby’s biggest stage. From experienced campaigners to Rugby World Cup debutants, the film shines a light on the personalities behind the whistle.  

“Enlightening, emotional and occasionally hard hitting, the documentary follows the match officials and their families as they prepare for the biggest event in the men’s test match arena, following their seven-week Rugby World Cup journey striving for accurate and consistent decision making in a complex sport.”

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Jaco Peyper said: “Hopefully viewers will understand that we are normal human beings with families, trying to be the best we can be, and give them a better understanding of the environment that we operate in and our dedication to the sport we love.” https://t.co/yvTLglcscG

— Hendrik Cronjé (@hendrikcronje71) January 25, 2024

World Rugby tackling important subjects when it comes to referee

“With in-depth interviews, access to team meetings, pre- and post-match emotion, Whistleblowers is an unmissable watch,” the statement from World Rugby continued. “Tackling the big stories on and off the field, the roller-coaster story covers the highs and lows of selection, physical and mental preparation, performance analysis as well as the special supportive relationship across the group, relationships with teams and the impact of online hate on officials and their families and what World Rugby is doing to combat it.”

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Inside access

South African Rugby World Cup 2023 referee Jaco Peyper said: “We want to lift the lid for fans on what we are living every day, a hugely rewarding job with the best seats in the house for some of the biggest encounters in sport. Some call it the toughest job in sport, and there are huge highs and lows, but the experiences, the friendship and the places are a privilege also. Hopefully viewers will understand that we are normal human beings with families, trying to be the best we can be, and give them a better understanding of the environment that we operate in and our dedication to the sport we love.” 

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added: “I would like to thank everyone who made this ground-breaking film happen, not least of which the match officials themselves, who are the very fabric of our sport. Without them, there would be no game, and I hope that this remarkable film reminds us all of the special role they play in the sport from the Rugby World Cup arena to the heartbeat of the game, community rugby. They are all human, they feel the highs and lows as we do, but through this compelling film we hope that a new level of respect and empathy is built towards match officials around the world.” 

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