News

The Counties Manukau Rugby community is mourning the loss of long-time referee Martyn Vukovich, who passed away over the weekend. The popular Vukovich was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2023.

“Martyn was a great member of the referee family at Counties Manukau,” said CMRFU Referee and Rugby Projects Manager Brandon Roberts. “He was always first to put his hand up to help no matter the task or situation."

“Caleb and Tracey had become part of the ref family & like Martyn have given more than the task requires. Martyn and Caleb, if not on the field with the whistle, will be on the sideline watching and supporting our other refs, or behind the bar on NPC home games, while Tracey is an integral part of the committee. It's sad that awful things always happen to great human beings. This terrible disease has taken away a brother from our Counties Manukau whanau.”

 “ It’s extremely sad news for the wider Counties Manukau Rugby and referee community where Martyn was particularly active. Our thoughts are with Tracey and Caleb and how we can support them through this and moving forward. Marty was one of life’s great guys who has selflessly volunteered his time to rugby in our community on so many levels. He will be sorely missed”

The Counties Manukau Rugby Referees Association, CMRFU, and local businesswoman Christine Montagna have pitched together to assist Martyn’s family in their time of grief by auctioning off 8 framed & signed jerseys. The auction will be running for the next week, please visit https://bit.ly/45B09QY to place bid on a jersey