News

RugbyRefs.com has once again been contacted by the West Coast RFU www.westcoastrfu.com as they have a shortage of refs at present.

In a bid to improve the situation they are looking for referees aged 30 & under from the UK, Ireland, & Australia and can assist with working holiday visas, finding employement, and finding accommodation

The West Coast RFU is very experienced in bringing players to their union, and will use this experience to assist willing volunteers. The West Coast RFU are more than happy to do the same for any refs that would like to come out here for a rugby adventure.

So if you, or any referees you know are interested in an exiting Kiwi adventure, Adam Gilshnan of the West Coast RFU would love to talk to you. Their season is starting soon, and the club season ends in late July.

Please note, the West Coast RFU are not in a position to pay referees, as they are an amateur organisation, but if any refs were to come out they'd have a great time, experience a different lifestyle and improve the West Coast's, and their own skills.

If you think this opportunity would suit you then contact Adam using his email address: adamgilsh@hotmail.com, He'd be happy to phone/skype you to talk more about it.

Adam is very skilled at getting working holiday visa's etc, and is always keen to help with any assistance, and to share any advice.

Don't delay, take this opportunity whilst it lasts, it doesn't come along for referees very often.

SANZAR today announced an 18-man strong referee team for the 2013 Super Rugby competition.

The announcement includes five new referees to the Super Rugby circuit, including Argentinean Francisco Pastrana (pictured, who controlled his first Super Rugby match in 2012).

The team includes the Southern Hemisphere's top performers, with Craig Joubert, Steve Walsh and Chris Pollock (returning from injury) heading up a strong team.

"The recent form of some of our referees in the Test environment has given us an excellent senior group within the team, and we have been able to include a healthy number of young referees," SANZAR Game Manager Lyndon Bray said.

"They have been selected with an eye to the future, both for Super Rugby and Test rugby."

Along with the Argentinean Pastrana, Australia's James Leckie has been recalled to the squad, while Rohan Hoffman (a former professional rugby player), Jason Jaftha from South Africa and Nick Briant from New Zealand get their first taste of Super Rugby with their selections.

"Along with the five new referees introduced to Super Rugby in 2012, we have a very strong nucleus of younger referees, blended with some of the best in the world at the top of their game."

The full Super Rugby Referee Team for 2013 is:

Craig Joubert, Jaco Peyper, Jonathan Kaplan, Lourens van der Merwe, Stuart Berry, Jason Jaftha (South Africa)

Chris Pollock, Glen Jackson, Garratt Williamson, Jonathon White, Mike Fraser, Nick Briant (New Zealand)

Steve Walsh, Andrew Lees, Angus Gardner, James Leckie, Rohan Hoffman (Australia)

Francisco Pastrana (Argentina).

Picture is copyright rugbychampagneweb.com

The RFU Championship will trial the first ever use of “RefCam” in a live rugby union broadcast when Newcastle Falcons take on London Scottish this Sunday, December 23. Kick Off 3:15pm.

Continuing to bring supporters closer to the action, the RFU Championship fixture will show live footage from a camera placed on the shirt of match referee Matt Carley, including close-ups of the scrum in particular. As well as increasing the viewing experience for supporters and helping them understand the role of the referee, RefCam will crucially provide a vehicle for referees further down the leagues to gain valuable insight into professional refereeing.

Commenting on the new project Head of Professional Referee Development Ed Morrison said:

“This is an exciting development and one that we’re excited to trial. Not only will it offer a new perspective for viewers but it will also provide us with an additional tool which can be utilised within the on-going development of our referees."

Gus Williamson, Executive Producer, Sky Sports Rugby Union, also commented:

“At Sky Sports we are always looking to introduce broadcast innovations that add depth to our coverage and this will certainly help viewers understand the decisions that referees make. We are excited about working with the RFU and we are confident that rugby viewers will be fascinated by this new way of watching the game.”

Newcastle Falcons vs London Scottish, Sunday December 23, KO 315pm. Live on Sky Sports 3 HD.