Try Tag Rugby is proud to celebrate a historic performance by the UK referee team at the 2026 International Tag Federation (ITF) World Cup in Coffs Harbour, Australia, with five referees appointed to medal matches, including three selected to officiate Gold Medal Games.
The tournament, held from 15 to 18 October 2026, marked a significant milestone for UK refereeing, with the largest contingent of UK officials ever attending a Tag Rugby World Cup.
Ten referees and one referee coach represented the UK at the tournament, showcasing the continued growth, development and high standards of refereeing across the country.
Historic World Cup Achievements
The 2026 World Cup proved to be the UK’s most successful tournament to date in terms of referee medal match appointments, with five officials selected to officiate Bronze and Gold Medal Games.
Gold Medal Game Appointments
- Girls’ 18s: Sam Rounce
- Men’s 45s: Matt Blades
- Mixed Open: Dom Collingwood
Bronze Medal Game Appointments
- Men’s 30s: Alex Davies
- Women’s 27s: Jonno Huntington
These appointments represent a landmark achievement for UK refereeing, highlighting the progress made in recent years and demonstrating the ability of UK officials to perform at the highest level of international Tag Rugby.
The tournament also provided an invaluable opportunity for referees to gain international experience, work alongside officials and referee coaches from other nations, and further develop their understanding of elite-level officiating.
UK Referee and Referee Coach Team
The following officials represented the UK at the 2026 ITF World Cup:
Referees
- Adam Johnson
- Alex Davies
- Dave Matkov
- Dom Collingwood
- Jonno Huntington
- Lewis O’Brien
- Matt Blades
- Sam Rounce
- Steph McCabe
- Zac Pepper
Referee Coach
- Matt Walker
The team brought together a combination of experienced World Cup officials and referees making their first appearance on the international stage.
Their participation reflects the continued development of the UK referee pathway and the commitment of officials to improving refereeing standards nationally.
Building the Future of UK Refereeing
Beyond the appointments and achievements on the field, the 2026 ITF World Cup represents an important step forward for the future of UK refereeing.
The experience and knowledge gained throughout the tournament will play a valuable role in supporting the next generation of referees aspiring to officiate at national and international levels.
Through the continued development of the Try Tag Rugby Elite Referee Pathway, the UK aims to build on these achievements by providing further opportunities for education, mentoring, coaching and progression.
Luke Doe, Try Tag Rugby Referee Manager, said:
“Our Referee team represented the UK with immense pride and professionalism throughout the World Cup, and we are incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment they have put in to reach this level.
“To have five referees appointed to medal matches, including three Gold Medal Games, is an outstanding achievement and reflects how far UK refereeing has progressed.
“Just as importantly, the experience and knowledge this group has gained from officiating alongside some of the best referees and referee coaches in the world is invaluable. We now have a fantastic opportunity to share that knowledge with the next generation of international referees and continue raising the standard of officiating across the UK.”
A Proud Moment for UK Tag Rugby
Try Tag Rugby would like to congratulate all ten referees and referee coach Matt Walker on their achievements at the 2026 ITF World Cup.
Their dedication, professionalism and commitment to officiating have contributed to a landmark tournament for UK refereeing.
With a record number of officials representing the UK and its strongest performance in World Cup medal match appointments, the 2026 tournament provides a strong foundation for continued success and development towards future international competitions.