New iRB Panels (Again)

[Simon Griffiths]

Yet again my same moan, so I won't bother airing it in full! It seems to be that by being a referee in the SH you automatically get selected.

A Panel (16 referees)

Andrew Cole (Australia)
Donal Courtney (Ireland)
Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)
Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Tappe Henning (South Africa)
Paul Honiss (New Zealand)
Joël Jutge (France)
Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Alan Lewis (Ireland)
Dave Pearson (England)
Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Tony Spreadbury (England)
Steve Walsh (New Zealand)
Chris White (England)
Scott Young (Australia)

B Panel (7 referees)

Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)
Rob Dickson (Scotland)
Matt Goddard (Australia)
Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Nigel Owens (Wales)
Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)

C Panel (8 referees)

George Ayoub (Australia)
Wayne Barnes (England)
Christophe Berdos (France)
Brett Bowden (Australia)
Malcolm Changleng (Scotland)
Carlo Damasco (Italy)
Eric Darrière (France)
Marius Jonker (South Africa)

(From this (http://www.planet-rugby.com/Off_The_Field/Laws_And_Referees/story_45834.shtml) Planet-Rugby article)

Well then, all of 48 hours after I suggested him for an A Panel spot Dave Pearson gets promoted to the A Panel! (Perhaps they check these boards? - Good on yer Paddy!)

Shame to see that Nigel Williams is retiring. He was one of the best referees around over recent years. Congratulations to him.

[Deeps]

I have fond memories of watching George Ayoub (4 foot nothing in his stockinged feet) reading the riot act to two 7 foot something Southern hemisphere miscreants in a World Sevens Series final before he red carded the pair. He came off visibly shaking.

[Bryan]

For those of you unfamiliar with George Ayoub, here's (http://www.prosportphotos.co.nz/display.aspx?image=789068) a photo of him with Victor Matfield. I'm pretty sure Matfield's hand could crush his entire face.

From the same website as the IRB panel, the 3 NZ refs from the Lions tour are now all injured.

Also, the appointments for the Fall internationals are here. (http://www.planet-rugby.com/Off_The_Field/Laws_And_Referees/Law_Discussions/story_45835.shtml)

The appointments for the RBS 6 nations are here. (http://www.planet-rugby.com/Off_The_Field/Laws_And_Referees/Law_Discussions/story_45838.shtml)

-Bryan

[Robert Burns]

He may be A panel now, but he's 'only' got 1 game out of it.

Is it me or has he jumped from nowhere to A Panel, I feel sorry for Roy Maybank who I feel is the 3rd best ref in England.

[Chris Picard]

For those of you unfamiliar with George Ayoub, here's (http://www.prosportphotos.co.nz/display.aspx?image=789068) a photo of him with Victor Matfield. I'm pretty sure Matfield's hand could crush his entire face.

Bryan,

I may even be taller than Mr. Ayoub.... lol.

Chris

[ExHookah]

I hereby rename you Frodo Picard, the amazing Hobbit Referee!

[Deeps]

Thanks Bryan. Lovely picture of George who has a character twice the size.

I am still chuckling at the photo a day later. If there was ever encouragement to those challenged vertically and follicley then George has shown how it can be done.

[jboulet4648]

I am shocked...I did not make one of those panels!
Thought for sure it would be my year.....
Put a Goatee on Ayoub and thats almost exactly what Picard looks like.
Don't worry all New England refs are not as short for that matter as Priscott or Picard! If only they were as dashing as me.... :D

[Mat 04]

They must of forgot to add my name......... :eek: