I have played rugby since a teenager up in Shropshire and throughout my Army career for all the units that I have served with and occasionally still run out for a social veterans game throughout the year.

I was luckily enough to complete my ELRA course whilst serving in Germany in Spring of 2012 but due to work commitments and an operation tour did not referee my first game until Sept 2003 when I was posted back to the UK. I can remember for first game well, it was Tewkesbury Vets verses a French touring side, they asked to delay the kick off as England were playing in the World Cup and with more beer on board (them not me) we had an excuse for a run out. However my second game was far more memorable due to not know the local geography, Old Cryptians verses Widden OBs, I still owe a gratitude of thanks to Grey & Henry for running the line and saving me.

I was very fortunate to my way up to Level 6 as a ref (highest level within the society) within a few years. To get to L6 took a lot of peoples help within the society, from assessors coaches and training officers. I still run out in the middle and get the same buzz, that I did in my first game.

I’ve been extremely lucky as a few of my highlights having be refereeing the Belgium Cup Final, live on TV, running touch at Twickenham before the Army vs Navy, and gracing the turf at Kingsholm. However being involved and allowing players for all over the county do what they enjoy is the biggest sense of achievement for me.