News

Counties Manukau Rugby referee Liam Sargent will make his McNamara Cup debut this weekend when he controls the Papakura v Karaka match at Massey Park.

The 21-year-old Waiuku local has been handed his debut for the week two clash.

“I am looking forward to being out in the middle with some quality players and to run out at premier level for the first time,” he said after being informed of his debut.

“Looking at the future to becoming a regular premier referee and to one day hopefully crack higher honours is a goal.”

The ex-Waiuku College student took up refereeing once he decided his future was not in playing the game and is now into his fifth year.

“I stopped enjoying playing mainly due to being small so I decided to pick up the whistle to stay involved and I have loved it,” Sargent said.

“Not so much my toughest game but the game I remember most was Patumahoe v Karaka U21 in round robin being my favourite game I have been a part of last year, with it being such a close game and the way the game was played was awesome to be a part of,” Sargent said.

“Last year refereeing my first club final - the U85kg final - and also the Northern U19 final between Auckland and Waikato is the biggest appointment to date.”

Sargent is currently studying a diploma in business management.