Comparison

Better Rugby Ref V2 vs RugbyRef

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Better Rugby Ref V2

This app helps rugby referees manage matches with an Apple Watch companion. Configure game settings, track events, and generate detailed match summaries for professional reporting.

Highlights
  • Apple Watch integration
  • Customizable match settings
  • 15s, 10s, and 7s rugby support
  • Detailed match summaries
  • Professional reporting
  • Match history and export
  • Sin bin and kick timer settings
Features
Read full description

Better RUGBY REFEREE MASTER & WATCH APP The ultimate companion app for rugby referees using Apple Watch. Configure match settings on iPhone, referee on Apple Watch, and receive comprehensive match summaries with email capability. KEY FEATURES: APPLE WATCH INTEGRATION • Send complete match setup to Apple Watch • Configure teams, colors, and custom durations • Receive completed match data from Watch • Seamless two-way communication MATCH MANAGEMENT • Support for 15s, 10s, and 7s rugby formats • Fully customizable match durations • Custom sin bin durations (2-20 minutes) • Adjustable kick timer settings • Half-time break configuration PROFESSIONAL REPORTING • Receive detailed match data from Watch • View complete event timeline • Email match summaries with all events • Scoring breakdown included • Card information with timestamps MATCH HISTORY • Save all completed matches locally • View past match details • Email previous match summaries • Export match data as JSON • Swipe to delete old matches WATCH APP FEATURES (Companion) • Extended 1-hour runtime session • Background sin bin notifications • Smart cross-half yellow card tracking • Automatic kick timer after tries • Real-time half-time break countdown • Manual match progression controls DUAL APP SYSTEM This Master app works alongside the separate "Rugby Referee Game" app (v1.1.0). Use the Master app to configure and sync with Watch, or launch the Game app for full iPhone refereeing experience. SUPPORTED FORMATS: • 15s Rugby: 40-minute halves, 10-minute sin bins • 10s Rugby: 10-minute halves, 5-minute sin bins • 7s Rugby: 7-minute halves, 2-minute sin bins • Custom: Configure any duration combination REQUIREMENTS: • Apple Watch (watchOS 9.0+) • iPhone (iOS 16.0+) • Email configured on device for summaries • Optional: Rugby Referee Game app for iPhone matches Perfect for professional referees, amateur leagues, school matches, and tournament organizers. Get accurate timing, smart alerts, and professional match documentation.

About

RugbyRef

Features
Read full description

Rugby Ref makes every referee decision make sense. Whether you're new to rugby or a lifelong fan, Rugby Ref connects you to live matches and explains every whistle in real time — in plain English, with context that makes sense to American sports fans. FOR FANS • Join a live match with a 6-character game code, or discover games happening near you • Get instant notifications when the referee makes a call • Read clear explanations of all 86+ rugby infractions — what happened, why it's a penalty, and what happens next • Follow the score, match clock, cards, and substitutions live • Try Demo Mode to explore the app without a live match FOR HOSTS • Broadcast referee calls to your audience in real time • Speak the call — voice recognition matches it to the infraction database • Or browse and select calls by category: Penalty, Free Kick, Scrum, and more • Set up teams with custom names, colors, and rosters for player-level attribution • Generate a game code fans can use to tune in from anywhere LEARN THE GAME • Plain-language explanations written for fans raised on football, basketball, and hockey • Understand scrums, rucks, mauls, advantage, and every card — as they happen Download Rugby Ref and never lose the thread of the match again.

Screenshots

Better Rugby Ref V23 screens
RugbyRef4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: RugbyRef at Free against Better Rugby Ref V2's $4.99. RugbyRef also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.5). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

RugbyRef is free to download; Better Rugby Ref V2 costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly daily. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Better Rugby Ref V2 versus RugbyRef: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBetter Rugby Ref V2RugbyRef
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyDailyDaily
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS18.515.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJeffrey Mark ShapiroDINK Productions LLC

In-app purchases

None

Better Rugby Ref V2

No in-app purchases

None

RugbyRef

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Better Rugby Ref V2 free?
Better Rugby Ref V2 costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is RugbyRef free?
RugbyRef is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Better Rugby Ref V2 or RugbyRef have ads?
Neither Better Rugby Ref V2 nor RugbyRef shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Better Rugby Ref V2 or RugbyRef?
Better Rugby Ref V2 ships an update daily, and RugbyRef daily. Most recently, Better Rugby Ref V2 was updated on October 30, 2026 and RugbyRef on October 31, 2026.

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