**Wales Coach’s Son Ben Connor Becomes Young Refereeing Star After Playing Setback**
The world of Welsh rugby has witnessed the emergence of a new prodigy—though not in the usual sense. Ben Connor, son of the experienced coach Shaun Connor, has quickly made his mark as one of the youngest and most impressive referees in the game, demonstrating that rugby careers can take unexpected and inspiring turns.
At only 21, Ben Connor’s astronomical rise through the ranks of rugby officiating stands out as a testament to his dedication and adaptability. In October, he made history as the youngest official ever to oversee a BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture. His talents on the whistle did not go unnoticed, leading him to referee high-profile finals at the World Series Sevens tournaments in global destinations such as Cape Town and Hong Kong.
For many, Ben’s sporting roots are unsurprising. His father, Shaun Connor, carved out a career as a fly-half with teams like the Ospreys and Dragons before switching to coaching, where he now lends his expertise to the Wales women’s side. It was only natural that Ben would initially attempt to follow similar steps as a player.
“I grew up with rugby everywhere around me. I played for Abertillery RFC, as well as the Dragons U16s, often in the No 10 shirt—the same as Dad,” Ben reflected. However, by his mid-teens, a physical difference became apparent. “When I was 16, it was clear I wasn’t going to be as big as some of the lads my age. Some were a foot taller and much heavier. It made me consider different ways to stay involved in the sport.”
Fortunately, Ben discovered refereeing at a young age, having completed his Level One course at just 14. Initially balancing his weekends between playing and officiating junior games, he soon found enjoyment and opportunity beckoning more from the referee’s half of the field. By 16, he made the decisive shift, refereeing matches every Saturday and rapidly advancing to senior games by 18.
His refereeing journey was further nurtured by the Welsh Rugby Union’s development programmes, including personal guidance from Ian Davies, the WRU’s elite match official manager. Davies’s mentorship, Ben says, was critical as he progressed from local matches to national and international arenas.
Connor’s list of achievements grew notably over this short span. At 20, he broke new ground by becoming the first non-local referee since the mid-1960s to officiate the headline fixture at South Africa’s prestigious Craven Week schoolboy tournament. He recalled, “The standard of rugby and the sheer physicality of those games were eye-opening. Some of these ‘boys’ were towering over me, but it was a brilliant learning experience.”
Yet arguably his most headline-grabbing moment came in October last year, when Connor took charge of the URC tie between Zebre Parma and Emirates Lions—becoming the competition’s youngest ever referee at 21, beating the previous record holder by two years. Although initially surprised by his rapid elevation, Ben embraced the challenge, determined to show he was up to the task on the global stage.
His burgeoning reputation led to further marquee appointments, such as refereeing major finals in the HSBC World Sevens Series, including the showpiece between South Africa and France in Cape Town and another final at the Hong Kong Sevens. He credits these high-pressure games in packed stadiums for honing his composure and decision-making; with a clear sense that “refereeing under pressure is where I perform best.”
April brought perhaps his biggest domestic test, presiding over the crucial URC Judgement Day encounter between the Ospreys and Cardiff at the Principality Stadium. Handling such high stakes—both clubs vying for playoff spots—might have daunted even seasoned referees. Yet, Connor insists that his focus remains on giving the players the best platform to perform, rather than being distracted by the occasion itself.
Connor’s approach on the field has matured along with his swift career trajectory. “As a young ref, you sometimes feel you have to assert yourself, but players are sharp and will exploit any weakness. I’ve learnt to let the game flow; nobody wants an over-officiated match.”
Despite the scrutiny that comes with refereeing at the top level, Ben Connor’s resolve is unwavering. He sums up his attitude simply: “I enjoy it too much to be derailed by criticism or pressure—it’s always about ensuring a fair and entertaining contest for everyone involved.”
For Welsh rugby fans and aspiring officials alike, Ben Connor’s story is a powerful reminder that commitment, adaptability and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to remarkable achievements—no matter the route taken into the sport.