#62: Ben O’Keeffe | Penalties, Pressure, and Professionalism: Dealing With Scrutiny & The Journey To Becoming A World-Class Referee

Matt Giteau is an Australian rugby union player known for his versatility. Currently playing for the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby, Giteau excels as a utility back, primarily in the inside centre and fly-half positions.   Debuting for the Wallabies in 2002, Giteau was nominated for the International Rugby Board Player of the Year in 2004. He has played in 104 Super Rugby matches and earned 103 test caps for Australia. His return to the national team, after a break, was facilitated by "Giteau's Law," highlighting his enduring impact on Australian rugby.   In this chat, Matt shared his deep insights into the world of goal kicking in rugby, offering a glimpse into his personal journey, experiences, and the valuable lessons he has learned throughout his career. We dive into:   Matt eloquently highlighted the significance of maintaining a consistent process, cultivating mental resilience, and showcasing the unwavering dedication required to excel as a goal kicker. Through his reflections, Matt vividly portrayed the mental battles, challenges, and strategic preparations essential for thriving in high-pressure situations on the rugby field.   Drawing inspiration from interactions with rugby legends like Johnny Wilkinson, Matt articulated how he assimilated invaluable lessons from their unparalleled work ethic, commitment to repetition, and distinctive training methodologies. Matt articulated the importance of staying engaged in the kick, prioritizing technique over immediate outcomes, and harnessing specific mental cues to enhance precision and consistency, as gleaned from top kickers such as Wilkinson. Furthermore, Matt shed light on the profound impact of esteemed coaches like Eddie Jones and Benny Perkins, underscoring the pivotal role of structured training, simulated pressure scenarios, and the pivotal role of building unwavering confidence through competitive challenges and relentless practice sessions.   In essence, the conversation with Matt offered a profound exploration of the intricacies of goal kicking in rugby, providing a window into his profound mindset, meticulous training routines, and the transformative influence of rugby legends and seasoned coaches on his growth and development. Through a blend of mental fortitude, technical finesse, and unwavering dedication, Matt's insights illuminated the arduous yet rewarding path to success as a goal kicker, underscoring the resilience and commitment required to thrive in this pivotal aspect of the game. There is so much detail and insight in this episode. Please enjoy and share.  

John Cooney is a talented professional rugby union player from Ireland known for his skills as a scrum-half. He was born on December 17, 1989, in Dublin, Ireland. Cooney has played for various teams throughout his career, including Connacht, Leinster, and currently Ulster Rugby in the Pro14 and European competitions.   Cooney is recognized for his exceptional kicking abilities, playmaking skills, and leadership on the field. His precise passing, tactical awareness, and accurate goal-kicking have made him a valuable asset to his teams. Cooney’s versatility allows him to adapt to different game situations, whether it be controlling the tempo of the game, setting up attacking plays, or providing solid defense.   Throughout his career, Cooney has earned praise for his work ethic, dedication to the sport, and commitment to improving his game constantly. He is known for his competitive spirit and determination to succeed, which have helped him excel in the highly competitive world of professional rugby.   Off the field, Cooney is respected for his professionalism, sportsmanship, and involvement in community initiatives. He serves as a role model for aspiring young rugby players, inspiring them to work hard, stay focused, and strive for excellence both on and off the field.   Cooney is a talented and accomplished rugby union player who continues to make significant contributions to the sport. His skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to continuous improvement have established him as a key figure in Irish rugby and a fan favorite among supporters.   In this episode of the podcast, we learn   Embracing Growth Mindset: Encouraging kickers to constantly seek improvement rather than settling for mediocre success rates.    Simplifying Technique: Advocating for a focus on essential striking abilities over unnecessary complexities in kicking technique.   Learning from the Best: Studying successful kickers like M. Steyn and Dan Carter for insights on simplicity and effectiveness.   Coaching Experience: Sharing challenges and growth as a kicking coach, emphasizing the value of coaching for personal improvement.   Feedback and Improvement: Highlighting the importance of being open to feedback, even from unexpected sources, to identify areas for enhancement and optimize kicking performance.   There is so much detail and insight in this episode. Please enjoy and share.  

Welcome to another episode of the Rugby Bricks Podcast. We are thrilled to bring you this latest episode featuring our very own founders, Peter Breen and Kale Panoho. They are here to share their experiences, insights, and the exciting developments happening at Rugby Bricks in 2023. Peter Breen has been immersed in coaching some top-level teams in rugby throughout the year, including the Black Rams, Georgia, and Blacks Ferns XV. He touches on his unique experience with each of the teams and shares the learnings and professional development he has taken away by being in these environments. This unique opportunity has been instrumental in Peter's growth, both personally and professionally, and he is eager to share these invaluable experiences with you. In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics: We explore the cultural differences in team environments when coaching top-tier teams from around the globe. Peter shares his observations on how these differences work to each team's advantage, creating a unique blend of strategies and tactics. We give you an update on the second Bricks Camp which we will be hosting around NZ in January 2024. Peter shares his experience at the Super Rugby coaches conference where he sheds light on the learnings he took away from these high performance coaches and speakers. We discuss how Peter has cultivated a passing and skills culture within each of the teams he's coached, and how this has elevated their skillset in these areas. This podcast is not just an update on Rugby Bricks; it's a treasure trove of insights that can help you grow as a coach or player. The knowledge shared in this episode is limitless and can be applied on and off the field. Join us in this enlightening conversation with Peter Breen and Kale Panoho, the dynamic duo behind Rugby Bricks. 

Nic Gill has revolutionised the strength & conditioning program for the All Blacks over the past 16 years. The esteemed All Blacks S&C coach, known for his unparalleled expertise and tireless dedication has solidified his place as one of the greatest minds in the game. Gill has had one of the most decorated sporting careers, sculpting some of the most talented players and being a part of the most successful rugby team in history.  Gill’s knowledge and understanding of the game and how people train, allowed him to get his players to reach new heights of speed, strength & fitness. Gill has been the All Blacks S&C coach for over 200 tests which included over 170 test wins with back-to-back World Cups in 2011 & 2015. Gill has recently ventured into his own business, founding ‘rugbyready’ in 2022, which gives rugby players the tools to dominate on the pitch, push for selection and reach their full potential. In this episode, we dive into: The inside scoop on how Nic Gill gets the All Blacks primed for Test match rugby How you can challenge yourself every year with something that "gets you outta bed" to stay fit and healthy. How you can prepare your body with safe load management in the gym and be a cut above the rest. Who is the best athlete Gill has worked with within the All Blacks environment? The circulating question around being bigger, faster & stronger to play international footy and being relevant in today's game.   Whether you're a player, coach, or avid supporter, this episode has all the gems. It gives you the knowledge and insights to understand what you need to do to reach the next level and prepare your body for the upcoming season. You’ll hear untold stories behind the most successful rugby team in history and the enduring triumphs of Gill's illustrious career spanning over a decade. From the next generation to the pinnacle of the sport, this educational and enlightening podcast will leave you inspired and craving for more.

Ben O'Keeffe is a world-renowned rugby union referee and ophthalmologist (eye doctor) from New Zealand. He has climbed to the top of the referee ladder and is cited as one of the top referees leading into the Rugby World Cup in France this year.  O'Keeffe became an official referee in 2013 and has since officiated 43 ITM Cup matches, 75 Super Rugby matches & over 30 test matches and took control of 4 World Cup matches in 2019 and even a British Irish Lions Series in 2021. In this episode of the Rugby Bricks podcast, we chat Rugby World Cup 2023 and how this tournament will have added pressure for the match officials and how Ben deals with media scrutiny, coaches and public pressure. Ben has skyrocketed to the top of the referring world and it’s a credit to the time he spends learning about the game and admitting his mistakes and finding ways to get better. In this episode, we dive into: How referees rectify their mistakes and make sure future games aren’t affected by the decisions made.   The decision from Ben to issue a red card to Marika Koroibete vs France and understanding the impact it had when it was an incorrect decision.    The amount of pressure referees face from coaches, the public and the media pre and post-games and how they are reviewed by the referring committee.   Ben’s challenge of refereeing a game French leading into the World Cup in France and how this has drastically helped his personal and professional development.  This episode is full of detail and insights, whether you are a player, coach or supporter, you'll learn what it takes to make second-by-second choices when taking the world stage and how decisive you have to be to make some of the hardest decisions a referee can make with the crackdown on player safety and new laws introduced.

We are excited to share what’s been happening behind the scenes in 2023. There’s been a whole lot happening already and even more to come. Peter Breen has been busy and shares his most recent experiences and learnings while coaching some of the top teams in rugby and the NRL, which include the Bulldogs, Saracens & Harlequins.  Along with his time at these clubs, he has also been given the opportunity to coach at the international level with the Georgian national side during their European Championship campaign. Coaching at this level has helped Peter grow and develop as a person and as a coach. He discusses the importance of personal development and self-reflection, and how these practices helped him become a more effective coach. If you’re a player, coach or Rugby Bricks supporter, then this podcast has all the insights and key learnings to help your team on and off the field. We dive into:    The cultural differences in the team environments when coaching top-tier teams from around the world and how they each work in their favour.   The reason why the Bulldogs practice breathing exercises at least once a week to help increase mindfulness.   A look into what’s in store for Rugby Bricks in 2023 as we ramp up our apparel and product lines to cater for our customers.   Peter’s experience and learnings on getting to spend the week with the Harlequins and Sacarens a couple of the most successful English premiership franchises   How Peter has created a passing & skills culture within each of the teams he’s coached and how it has excelled their skillset in these areas. This podcast is a great insight into the direction of Rugby Bricks in 2023, with new developments and launches that are happening this year and what's to come in the future. The learnings you can take away from this podcast are limitless and can be used to develop you as a coach or player. Please enjoy this educational and enlightening episode with none other than the two founders of Rugb Bricks Peter Breen & kale Panoho.   

Owen Franks & Jase Ryan are renowned as a couple of the greatest rugby minds in the game, especially when it comes to the front row & scrums. Ryan is a world-leading forwards coach and has a decorated career to date. He has recently been appointed as the new All Blacks forwards coach in 2022 and will take them on to the world cup in 2023. Franks has also had an embellished career spanning over a 12-year period, he became one of the most capped All Blacks in history with over 100 caps and won back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015.  Over the past few years, Franks & Ryan have joined forces to create the Iron Back Scrum. The mission is to introduce the next generation of front-row players with the correct technique in the safest way possible.  Both these two men have been involved in some of the most successful teams in not only rugby but sport in general, in this episode we dive into: How a scrummager has to take a different approach in today's game, due to athletes becoming faster, stronger and fitter than ever before. This has meant training at the top tier has become extremely specialized.   Why the Iron Back is so important in progressing a front rowers rugby journey by simulating true scrum techniques and coupling that with innovative technology at a world-leading standard.   How Ryan has dealt with the scrutiny of the public by coming into such an intense rugby environment and how his skillset will take the All Blacks to new heights.    The importance of coming into a team environment with a clear message, strategy, and mindset that everyone buys into and honing in on home truths.   Why it’s essential to focus on the micro details and how this needs to be delivered technically as a coach to get the best out of a team and individuals. From grassroots rugby to the All Blacks, this episode has it all. This podcast is for you if you are a player, coach or supporter. It gives insights and secrets into the most successful rugby team in history and how these two men have continued to succeed in their careers at the highest level for over a decade. We look at the evolution of the Iron Back Scrum technology and how it allowed the new generation to hone their skills with innovative machinery. Please enjoy this educational and enlightening episode with none other than Owen Franks & Jase Ryan.

Zara Fa’avae is the new CEO of Rugby Bricks. Her expertise has given her the opportunity to work with some of the world's best sports brands, including Nike, Adidas, New Era and more. Zara’s talent has led to some amazing interactions with some A-list celebrities including Kayne West when he came to New Zealand for an Adidas event.  Zara has had an accomplished career becoming the manager of Stirling Sports and now taking the role as CEO of Rugby Bricks. Her skillset has already been put to work; she has taken the company to new heights and will continue to grow the brand and the business into the future with her creative and innovative mind and work ethic.   In this episode, we learn what journey Zara has taken to reach her level of success and what she has learnt from joining the Rugby Bricks team. We dive into:   The future of Rugby Bricks and a look into the ongoing projects and products we create and develop.   Understanding the importance of culture and a positive team environment and how it turns into creative and innovative ideas.   How Zara met Kayne West and what she learned from that experience.    Why storytelling and having a positive ethos within a brand is crucial to an evolving and striving business.   How the world’s best sports brands stay at the top of the game through storytelling and creating lifelong customers.    This podcast is a great reflection on how far Rugby Bricks has come as a brand and how things are heading in the future. With the inclusion of Zara in the business we are able to rapidly develop as a company and give you insights into the direction of Rugby Bricks. We share some secrets and great stories about how we have gotten to where we are today and what’s next. If you are a Rugby Bricks fan or striving entrepreneur, then this podcast has all the insights to give you the confidence to take the leap to the next level and get you excited for the upcoming product releases and project launches.

Owen Franks is a current New Zealand rugby union player, he is a part of the 2022 Hurricanes squad looking to make his debut late in the season. Frank’s first significant playing role was for the Canterbury provincial team, then he moved on to play for the Crusaders where he won three consecutive Super Rugby titles in 2017,18 & 19. During his Super Rugby career, Franks also became one of the most capped All Blacks in history with over 100 caps and winning back to back World Cups in 2011 and 2015.  Franks is one of the most successful props at the Super Rugby and International level. Along with Franks's sporting accolades, he also has dived into a business venture with old Crusaders coach Jase Ryan. They have created a game-changing scrum machine to individually work on your technique at any level. Over Frank’s career, he has been a part of some of the most successful teams in history, we learn what it takes to create the results he has. We dive into:  The importance of Owen Franks starting the front row club to ensure there was a program to focus on the safe development of props and hookers at a young age.  How Franks had such a longevity career within the All Blacks & Crusaders environment and how to stay on top of your game at the highest level. The importance of being able to mentally prepare yourself before every scum and make sure you take the right steps and procedures to nail your technique and mindset.  Franks's experience with strength training and how to improve this aspect in your workout routine to build your power in the scrum.  From Junior rugby to the All Blacks, this episode has it all. If you are a player, coach or supporter, this podcast is for you. It gives insights and secrets into the most successful rugby team in history and how they managed to go back to back in the World Cup. We take a look at the tricks of the trade with what it takes to become a successful front-rower. Please enjoy this in-depth and enlightening episode with none other than Owen Franks.