Jaco Peyper’s transition from referee to coaching for the Springboks shows how referees’ insights can be used as a competitive advantage. Peyper’s knowledge of the laws of rugby and how they are enforced can shape the team’s strategies and tactics, both on and off the field. This shift in role is part of a global trend of incorporating referee insights into coaching, highlighting the delicate nuances involved in securing victories at the highest level of the sport.