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Counties Manukau will provide two referees to the new-look development referee program that has been introduced by NZR this year.

Local referees Brandon Roberts and Liam Sargent have been included in the Chiefs-area regional squad announced by NZR.

“I am stoked that both Liam and I have been named in this squad and am excited about the opportunity it presents,” Roberts said.

“It is great recognition for the hard work we have put in but also the work the Union has done to help get us to this point.

“We know we are representing Counties Manukau and will endeavour to do the region proud.”

Split along Super Rugby regional lines, the five squads will come together for three development workshops a year in their regions, with each group having leading coaches overseeing their programmes. 

New Zealand Rugby’s High Performance Referee Manager Chris Pollock said the new model will lead to enhanced development of our referees.

“In New Zealand we are fortunate to have several international referees across the men’s and women’s game, so giving our emerging referees the ability to learn and develop alongside some of the world’s best is a great opportunity.

“By broadening our reach, we can focus on development and education within the referee pathway both on field and for referee coaches as well. We believe these changes will contribute significantly to the growth and improvement of our overall system,” said Pollock.