James Doleman: How Referees Shape Rugby's Culture Beyond the Rules

When James Dolman steps onto a rugby field to referee a test match, he carries years of mental preparation, relationship-building, and self-reflection with him. In this revealing conversation with Ben Herring, Dolman takes us behind the scenes of elite officiating, exploring the psychological challenges that come with making split-second decisions under immense pressure. "The struggle is trying to be a perfectionist," Dolman admits, describing the mental battle that follows high-stakes match...