**Lions v Western Force Referee Ben O’Keeffe Recounts Chilling Encounter Amid Scrutiny**
As the British & Irish Lions prepare to kick off their highly anticipated tour in Australia, much attention falls upon Ben O’Keeffe, the man chosen as referee for the opening match against Western Force. O’Keeffe, a New Zealander recognised as one of the world’s leading rugby officials, now finds himself under a fresh spotlight—not merely for his officiating acumen, but for the alarming off-field experiences that come with the job.
Andy Farrell’s side arrives for their summer campaign after making significant changes since their narrow defeat to Argentina, with 13 new faces selected for the first hit-out on Australian soil. For the players, today’s match is a chance to impress, but for O’Keeffe, it is yet another instance of walking a perilous tightrope between the sport’s passionate following and the increasingly personal scrutiny faced by those who officiate at its highest levels.
Aged 36, O’Keeffe is more than just a figure in the centre of the pitch. He began refereeing as a teenager and rapidly rose through the ranks, soon becoming New Zealand’s most experienced Test referee. Twice recognised as the country’s referee of the year and a two-time Rugby World Cup official, he juggles a remarkable dual career as both sportsman and medical professional. Away from rugby, O’Keeffe operates as a skilled ophthalmologist, having co-founded oDocs Eye Care, a company devoted to harnessing technology to prevent blindness. From his Auckland clinic, he even provides cosmetic procedures, emphasising a talent for blending science with sports.
Outside the medical theatre and off rugby fields, O’Keeffe’s personal life has also flourished. Last year in South Africa, he proposed to journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton, who herself maintains a prominent profile in New Zealand’s media scene. O’Keeffe has spoken candidly about his aspirations for a family and stability, referencing his desire to settle down with Shrimpton as the right partner by his side.
However, it is recent events in the rugby world that have cast a shadow across O’Keeffe’s achievements. In the aftermath of the controversial Rugby World Cup quarter-final between South Africa and France, O’Keeffe found himself not only facing professional scrutiny—in the form of on-field criticism from French captain Antoine Dupont—but also personal safety concerns off the pitch.
The match itself was a thriller, with South Africa edging France 29-28 amid a series of decisions that sparked .analysis across the sporting world. Questions were raised regarding the officiating of high-impact tackles and several contentious incidents, with Dupont publicly venting his frustration over what he felt was substandard officiating. “I don’t think the refereeing was up to the level of what was at stake,” Dupont reflected post-match, highlighting the broader issue of pressure faced by match officials.
In response, O’Keeffe maintained a measured stance, acknowledging the raw emotion at play and insisting that he understood the context of such criticism. Yet, it was not only words that left a mark. The days that followed brought personal attacks and a sense of unease that went far beyond professional critique.
The severity of the backlash was vividly brought home during a chilling encounter in a public toilet, as O’Keeffe recounted in an interview with RugbyPass. Caught in a corner by an aggressive supporter and his companions, he found himself confronted with open threats to his safety, an experience that left a deep impression on his sense of security and mental wellbeing. “I was in a corner of the bathroom, cornered by this person and three other people, and I just got out of there,” he revealed. O’Keeffe described the incident as “one of the toughest” episodes of his life, forcing him to question whether he could safely move in public at all.
This episode illustrates the growing problem of volatility facing sports referees, who increasingly must deal with the burden of controversy not only on the pitch but in their daily lives. The incident underscores a broader discussion about the protection and mental health support for officials, who are sometimes subjected to vitriol both online and in person.
As rugby readies itself for another enthralling test series, O’Keeffe’s experiences serve as a stark reminder that the pressures of professional sport extend well beyond the field of play. As he steps out to referee the opening match in Australia, all eyes will be on his performance—but for O’Keeffe, ensuring safety off the pitch remains as critical as keeping control on it.