Issue 18
In this month’s edition, Abdul Hannan reports back on his first International Test Match at the Asia Rugby Division 3 Championship while James Brooke also shares on his first overseas tournament. Also, some important news from World Rugby on law updates and upcoming events locally.
World Rugby announcement
With the global law trials being introduced in 2017, a number of these have been approved for full inclusion into the Laws of the Game. Additionally, World Rugby has provided additional information on Concussion protocols and sanctions for Foul Play.
Please click 180516 CL World Rugby Council Decisions – Special and Annual Meeting 2018 to view the full list of updates.
Abdul Hannan appointed for his first International Test match
I was fortunate to be appointed to officiate in the Asia Rugby Division 3 East held in Brunei Darusalam from 7-13 May 2018. The three teams participating were the host country Brunei, China and Guam. It was my first 15s appointment for Asia Rugby and I had prepared well for the test matches by regularly officiating in A division matches before going to the tournament proper.
I was scheduled to referee China vs Guam and it happened to be an important game, as Guam had earlier earned a victory over Brunei, and a win over China would mean that they would be crowned champions of the Asia Rugby Division 3 East. It was important not to let the occasion get to me and so I just officiated the game just like any other game. Guam emerged victorious with a score of 52-12 and were crowned champions.
Overall this trip was an eye opener for me with regards to officiating an international test match. It was a proud moment for me to represent Singapore Rugby on the international stage and I hope to do well in future tournaments I am appointed to.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Asia Rugby for appointing me in this tournament. Not forgetting the tremendous amount of support I received from SRU referee manager Charlie Brown who helped me prepare for the tournament
Eight SSRUR referees go to Jarkarta 10’s on 5th May 2018- tournament review by James Brooke
Embarking on various flights throughout Friday 4th May, eight referees, namely, Paul McKay, George & Douglas Danapal, Marc Singleton, Low Fenghua, Rupert Bray, Jean Luc Joel and myself set off for the Jarkarta 10s tournament.
With a mens’, womens’, vets’ and juniors’ tournament taking place there were plenty of games to referee throughout the tournament. All eight referees from Singapore got the opportunity to referee matches in the mens’ tournament and many also officiated in the other tournaments. In addition to refereeing the matches the Singapore refs also assisted their young Indonesian counterparts with the aim of developing their game and encouraging them to stick with the sport in Jakarta and beyond.
The refereeing was enjoyable and challenging with some teams (who shall remain nameless) proving more difficult than others. The chance to referee high levels players in the shape of ex-Australia captain Stephen Moore and Nathan Sharpe was new to many of us but certainly added to the experience. The fast paced nature of the tournament and the Jakarta heat also presented a challenge and it was some weary bodies that returned to the hotel. En route back to the hotel we were able to professionally debrief on what had been a fantastic day of rugby and get ready for some evening entertainment that certainly left a mark.
Our thanks go to the organizers, especially Kyle, and credit that the site looked in such good condition despite the Friday downpour that would have put an end to any tournament in England! Thanks to all the referees, the senior Indonesian refs, namely Steve Barber, Dicko and Fikri but especially the young local officials and also a special mention to Douglas who, in the most humble of fashion, accepted his appointment to officiate the Cup Final. We all learned a lot, and for some it was the first chance to engage on an oversees tour and thanks go to SSRUR for that opportunity. Many of us learned a great deal and can’t wait to experience more of these trips.
Coming soon…
