News

Local rugby referees will kick the New Year off in style after being invited to be part of the HSBC Sevens in Hamilton this weekend.

Six local referees are involved in various roles – Rob Shore and Brandon Roberts have been selected as Assistant Referees for what will be the last HSBC Sevens tournament on New Zealand shores.

John Wright, Harley Brown, Liam Sargent and Pat Baucke will hold a variety of roles on the sideline, looking after tournament needs,

“It’s an exciting opportunity for our local referee hero’s to be involved on the world stage in the game we love,” said CMRFU Referee and Community Rugby Projects Manager Brandon Roberts. “Opportunities like these don’t come easy and are not a regular occurrence, so to be selected to be involved is a great achievement.

“The Counties Manukau Referees are always looking to grow the team to service the game as referees. This shows a pathway for individuals who are keen to make it to the World Stage. “Refereeing offers many avenues to explore if the desire is there: Active Referee, Referee Coaching, Sideline Support and Managing, TMO etc.”

The tournament begins at 9.10am on Saturday with a men’s Pool D clash between South Africa and Canada.