Referee Luke Pearce Gets Hit Hard In Harlequins vs Saracens Clash

Experienced international referee Luke Pearce has risen to become one of the top officials in the game at just 35-years-old.

Since taking charge of his first Premiership game in 2011, Pearce has gone on to referee at the highest level most notably the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Yet despite this experience, the Pontypool born ref showed that all of the experience in the world doesn’t mean you won’t get caught out every now and again.

Refereeing the recent clash between bitter rivals Harlequins and Saracens at Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium. Pearce found himself flat on his back as giant Quins lock Irne Herbst came charging through.

As you’d expect when a 117kg secondrow barrels into you, Pearce was left a bit shaken.

Despite this Pearce rebounded to finish off the clash whilst Herbst was clearly apologetic for the clear accident!

🤕 @Luke_W_Pearce might be feeling a little sore this morning#ITVRugby | #GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/SXoR5IqquI

— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 26, 2023