Alan Lewis Quotes, born June 1, 1964, in Cork, Ireland, is a former Irish cricketer and one of rugby union’s most respected international referees. A versatile athlete, Lewis played cricket for Ireland, following in the footsteps of his father, Ian, and alongside his daughters, Robyn and Gaby, who also represented Ireland. As a rugby referee, he officiated high-stakes matches, including international Tests, known for his calm authority and deep understanding of the game’s nuances. His media commentary on Irish cricket further showcases his passion for sport. Lewis’s refereeing philosophy emphasized preparation, fairness, and staying unnoticed, earning him respect in the rugby community. These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, public statements, and inspired by his career—reflect his insights on refereeing, leadership, sportsmanship, and life, capturing his disciplined yet approachable spirit.
15 Alan Lewis Quotes
- “If at first you don’t succeed, get a bigger hammer.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The objective of a referee is not to get mentioned. I tell a lot of young referees that not being mentioned is king. If you can achieve that, that then it has been a pretty good game.” (PictureQuotes, n.d.)
- “Coaches do so much research about a referee because they believe refereeing is such a crucial part of the game that the result may hinge on what we say or do. They probably know more about me than I know myself!” (PictureQuotes, n.d.)
- “My job is to persuade people to toe the line and play within the laws of the game.” (PictureQuotes, n.d.)
- “The scrum and the tackle are the two really contentious areas of the game. If you get those two aspects right, most rugby matches will work in your favour.” (QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “I have three tools at my disposal—my whistle, my body language, and my talk. It is a question of how I marry them up to try to get the players around to my way of thinking.” (PictureQuotes, n.d.)
- “But then southern hemisphere teams are more skilful than their northern hemisphere counterparts, which means games can be easier to referee.” (LoveExpands, 2020)
- “I do my own analysis on the teams I am refereeing. I will know some of the personalities, the players who could be difficult customers in a scrum situation, the ones I am going to have to really work hard on early in the game to get what I want.” (PictureQuotes, n.d.)
- “You have got to boss scrums. The players need to know what you want them to adhere to. Then it is up to them to decide whether they are adhering to that or not.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Coaches will do what they can, but it doesn’t necessarily bother me. You are an international referee for a reason. If things like that are going to ruffle your feathers, don’t bother doing the job.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “A good referee knows the game’s pulse and keeps it flowing without stealing the spotlight.” (Inspired by Lewis’s refereeing philosophy, 2025)
- “In rugby, as in life, respect is earned by staying fair under pressure.” (Inspired by Lewis’s career, 2025)
- “Preparation is the referee’s best friend—know the players, know the rules, and the game takes care of itself.” (Inspired by Lewis’s analytical approach, 2025)
- “Leadership on the pitch isn’t about shouting; it’s about clarity and calm in the chaos.” (Inspired by Lewis’s authoritative style, 2025)
- “Every match is a chance to uphold the spirit of the game, not just enforce its laws.” (Inspired by Lewis’s respect for rugby’s ethos, 2025)
Alan Lewis’s quotes are a spirited blend of wit, discipline, and sportsmanship, inspiring us to lead with fairness and stay focused under pressure. Which quote gets you ready to take on life’s challenges like a referee on the pitch? Share it below and keep Lewis’s rugby legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
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