About Us

Running since 1925, East Midlands Rugby Union Referees (EMRUR) affiliates qualified and experienced match officials to facilitate safe and enjoyable rugby across the constituency. This covers the sub-counties of Huntingdonshire & Peterborough, East Northants, Bedfordshire and the Northampton and District Alliance; covering over 1700 games in a season for youth and adult rugby.

As well as East Midlands Rugby Union Referees covering RFU leagues, EMRUR moreover supports local clubs and schools. EMRUR are inclusive to all and can assist with development of match officials from schools and clubs, supporting the vision of 'the right ref for the right match'.

If you are interested in joining East Midlands Rugby Union Referees, or simply want to know more about match officiating, please contact us via the Get In Touch form.

Match Official Development

Alongside ongoing assessment and training for active referees, EMRUR holds monthly Open meetings throughout the season and an Annual Conference in the summer. These are Open to All. As volunteer referees, we share and add to our knowledge and experiences.

Open Meetings

Next EMRUR Open Meeting - SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST

09/08/26 - Conference @ Wellingborough RFC 09.30

21/09/26 - Open Meeting @ Wellingborough RFC 19.15

19/10/26 - Open Meeting @ Daventry RFC 19.15

16/11/26 - Open Meeting @ Olney RFC 19.15

14/12/26 - Online Training Meeting 19.15

18/01/27 - Open Meeting @ Northampton BBOB 19.15

15/02/27 - Online Training Meeting 19.15

15/03/27 - Online Training Meeting 19.15

19/04/27 - Annual General Meeting @ Olney RFC 19.15

Annual Conference

Sign up for an enlightening day with the EMRUR team of Officials and Educators. The day includes active training sessions and previews of the upcoming seasons latest law changes and match official focus. Bronco tests and lunch are also provided.

2026 @ Wellingborough RFC

Cut Throat Lane, NN29 7TZ

SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST

0930 Bronco Fitness

1000 Welcome - Tea & Coffee

1015 What's new from HQ

Law Applications - ruck & maul

England rugby learning

Referee badge

1130 Lee Towers - Managing your match

1230 Lunch

1300 From our developers 1330 Survey results - what do they tell us? How to move forward

14.15 Mark Hyde - Clips & bits

1500 Discipline - procedure

1530 Q & A

1600 CLOSE

Where is the match?

Please see the feed of upcoming games as registered by the clubs and schools EMRUR supply referees to officiate.

​To ensure it is up to date, please make sure your club updates its games appropriately on whostheref.com.

If a game is cancelled or moved for any reason, clubs MUST update the appointments team immediately (Chris Rowan and Nigel Boot-Handford).

​Support your club -

Put your boots on - PLAY

Keep your boots on - REFEREE

Respect the game - APPLAUD

​Your club will also have many other roles for you to contribute to the good experiences enjoyed within the rugby community.

Special Thanks to

• Foden Ibex Ltd

Sponsors are invaluable to EMRUR and help keep games on. For further information on sponsorship packages and benefits such as international ticket options, please contact the EMRUR treasurer.