NZRU National Referees Squad

Congratulations to Matt Stanish, Ben Skeen and Jonathan White for their reselection to the NZRU National Squad. I’m sure you’ll all join with me in wishing all three all the best for the representative season.

You may recall that Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri was one of five referees selected in the Associate National Squad last year to cover for our NZRU referees that were at the World Cup. This year there was no need for an Associate Squad. There were two vacancies in the National Squad and aside from other potential candidates Sheldon was competing with his four fellow Associate referees so we do acknowledge that although on this occasion he has missed selection in 2008 Sheldon has performed admirably and will be in a great position to compete for a spot in 2009.

Northern Zone Referees Squad

Congratulations to Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri, Ben Deakin, and Shaun Elliott for their re-selection to the Northern Zone Squad for 2008. I ask that you also be mindful of the fact that another of our nominees Rob Parkes missed out on selection this time. Again though we need to put selectorial decisions into perspective and acknowledge that the Regional Squad this year has been reduced from 14 members in 2007 to 10 members in 2008 which made it harder for our four nominees competing against the rest of the nominees in the Northern Region which extends from Northland down to the King Country.

International / National Appointment Announcements

It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge as an Association the following appointments released by NZRU:-

·         Jono White              Pacific Nations Cup                  Sun Jun 29       Australia A v Fiji                       Brisbane

·         Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri  Air NZ Cup Pre-season       Fri 18 July         BOP v North Harbour               Mt Maunganui

·         Shaun Elliott           Air NZ Cup Pre-season             Sat 19 July       Northland v Manawatu             Kaitaia

·         Jono White             Air NZ Cup Pre-season             Fri 25 July         Northland v Counties Manukau             Whangarei

·         Matt Stanish           AA Rewards Heartland              Sat 16 Aug       King Country v Horowhenua Kapiti        Taumarunui

NZRU Level II Referee Coach Accreditation

As announced last Monday evening we congratulate our newly accredited Level II referee coaches being Bruce Rennie, John Gillies and Roger Drew. Mike Trevenen is currently working through his accreditation process as well so by year end we will be in a very strong position of having key advanced qualified coaches amongst our ranks. This not only benefits these individuals but benefits the active referees per se in the knowledge, advice and skills that these coaches can (and do) deliver to our Association.

Promotions

Following on from our earlier announcements a month ago, we congratulate the following referees on their promotions:-

·         Caleb Hamilton             from B Panel to Premier Panel

·         Steve Piacun                from B panel to Premier Panel

·         Rob Ah Kuoi                 from JRC/SS Panel to C Panel

·         Tim Toilolo                   from JRC/SS Panel to C Panel

Interchanges

Congratulations to  Rob Harman for his selection to the Gold Coast Interchange. Rob departs fro the Gold Coast on July 3 returning on July 13. Reciprocating that I/C we will have Matt Thomson here from June 27^th until July 6^th and Travis Latter coming over for the weekend of July 4^th. I’m sure you will all extend a warm welcome to these Gold Coast referees and that any hospitality extended to them both will be of our usual high standard.

Bring a Mate Campaign

Brian Francis is this year’s lucky winner. Brian has introduced young Sam Abraham into our Association and we wish Sam a long and rewarding refereeing career. For Brian’s efforts he and partner Christine Tapp will be flown down to Christchurch this weekend to watch the ABs v England. Trust they both have an enjoyable stay in the Garden City.

That’s it for now. We hope you all continue to enjoy your refereeing and/or touch judging and/or refereeing coaching. And do remember, if anyone has any queries about their refereeing please don’t hesitate to contact the following coaches:-

·         Roger Drew – Head Coach                                     021 425 779

·         Ken Worthington – Head Premier Panel Coach      021 266 4383

·         Don Crawford – Head B Panel Coach                      021 870 068

·         John Ripley – Acting Head C Panel Coach               0274 750 091

·         Bill Hollins – Head JRC/SS Panel Coach                   021 300 949

·         Bill Price – 1^st Year                                                  6258097 (home)

·         Jeremy Kannemeyer- Advocate on RAG                 0274 729 161