I had played all my club rugby at Old Richians RFC as a prop from 17 years old, like many refs I then got involved in coaching mini rugby coaching my sons age group. This became my start in refereeing aged 32 having to referee my side at Sunday youth games so I then took the appropriate level 1 & 2 referee qualifications. Opposition sides would often ask be the referee the return away game and soon I was being asked to referee mid week police & fire service games as favours to mates. At this point a couple of referees approached me after a playing on a Saturday and had heard I had been doing a few mid week games and suggested I join the society where I could be appointed mid week school / university games and Sunday youth games now my side were playing senior rugby, I had the best of both worlds refereeing twice a week and still playing Saturdays.

I then had the call that we were short of Saturday referees and did a game to help out and at that point realised that refereeing Saturdays was now for me at the age or 42 and still doing mid week & Sundays. Initially all I wanted was refereeing and did not pay much attention to grades until again I was given a little push and started enjoying regular exchange visits around the country and advancing up the grades to my present level 7 grade with the odd level 6 game officiated.

Highlights have undoubtedly been the New England USA exchange along with the many UK club match exchanges. A combination cub final at Kingsholm and several county cup youth finals. The biggest thrill is still the enjoyment and camaraderie you get being able to continue my rugby career as a referee long after my playing days, and having the craic with the players, receiving nice feedback knowing both they & myself have had an enjoyable match (most times!!)