Jonathan Kaplan is not stopping refereeing, something he has done for 30 seasons and at which he has had magnificent achievements but he will no longer be refereeing Test or provincial matches. We are publishing tributes.
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We hope to publish them in three chances – one from his South African contemporaries, then from his overseas contemporaries and then from the various chairmen of the referees’ societies he belonged to.
That he deserves accolades is certain.
On the international front , at the end Kaplan had refereed more Tests than any other referee in the history of the game. His 70 Tests is three more than Alain Rolland who is retiring at the end of the season. He was the first referee to 50 Tests. Others have followed – Rolland, Steve Walsh, Stuart Dickinson, Wayne Barnes, Nigel Owens and Chris White. There was a stage whine Derek Bevan of Wales set a record at 44, but there are now far more opportunities for referees to referee Test matches.
In brief the records show that he refereed more Super Rugby matches (107) and more Currie Cup matches (161) than anybody else. He has refereed 13 matches at the four World Cups that he attended – in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011, including the semifinal between England and France in 2007. Kaplan refereed three Super Rugby Finals and six Currie Cup Finals, including this year’s at Newlands, his last match as a professional referee in South Africa. In all refereed 425 first class matches and 1040 matches altogether. Even in brief it is a long and illustrious career with many lessons.
But let the referees speak. They are all men who refereed top rugby in South Africa with Kaplan.
1. André Watson, South Africa’s refereeing manager, the referee in two World Cup Finals and six Currie Cup Finals, a man who knows what refereeing is about.
“He has set records. That speaks for itself, and so I won’t comment on those.
“For me, Jonathan brought to the game a refereeing style and application that was unique and he was certainly the man to call for big occasion games.
“I am sorry to see him retiring but that happens to all, even the greats, which he certainly is.”
2. Tappe Henning, a Test referee of note, one of the most knowledgeable on laws and refereeing in the world, an IRB referees’ selector who made a great contribution to South African refereeing until he went off to run Scotland’s referees.
“Jonathan created his own success in refereeing through perseverance and determination. In his South Africa career he was constantly challenged by those in control of refereeing for his individualism in the ‘team’ environment and for his individual way of thinking. His ability to think outside the box made him special in his referee style and very successful to become an International referee. It was only later in his career in South Africa that he was truly respected for his individualism. In a pretty much Afrikaans environment Jonathan not only survived but enjoyed huge success of which his achievements are testimony.
“The person Jonathan Kaplan was not understood by many in South Africa and a lot of people felt threatened by his style. My respect for JK is not related to his wonderful achievements but for how he as an individual held himself in a tough and difficult environment and despite the unfair challenges he had to endure he achieved way beyond expectations. His individual style and presence will not grace the rugby fields of South Africa and the world anymore but the footprints JK left in refereeing and in rugby will long remain. A true ambassador for the game and South Africa.
“I sincerely hope that his knowledge and experience will be utilised in some form to the benefit of all those with high aspirations in the refereeing world.”
3. Craig Joubert, who has been at the top of the refereeing world recently, the referee of the 2011 World Cup Final, the 2013 Super Rugby Final and the Currie Cup Final in 2010 when he became the youngest referee to do so.
“JK, Jakes, my tjom,
“It’s hard to know what to say. Throughout my refereeing career you have been there as my mentor and friend. The benefit I got as a referee and person running touch for you in a world record number of games. You really helped shape me both consciously and subconsciously. I have been so proud watching you as you have progressed your distinguished and record breaking career. You have always been so generous in sharing your knowledge and experiences and there is no question I am a better referee for having spent the hours and days and weeks around the rugby world touring with my tjom! From Potchefstroom to Twickenham, Kimberley to Sydney, every minute along the way has been a privilege. I will miss our trips together but will still turn to my tjom for that brutally honest advice that has always helped to make me better.
“Joubs”
4. Jaco Peyper, the young referee from the Free State, who refereed his first Test in 2011 and has made such great strides since then.
“JK
“You were operating at the top level of the game when I was still a schoolboy playing rugby… I had my 15 year school reunion last month… now I am still not that good at Maths, but that surely means that when you retired the same month as my reunion you must have spent at least 15 years at the elite end of the game – Remarkable!!
“As I developed through the ranks (following you with eagle eyes), I didn’t actually have a clue what it takes to remain standing at the highest level over time. Now being exposed to it for just a fraction of your career, I have the greatest admiration for your mental strength and resilience.
“Thanks for sharing your experiences/insight on the game with us and the ‘world class’ times off the field! Hopefully plenty more to come.
“Look forward to passing you a couple of tough ones in the TMO box soon…
“Peyps”
5. Stuart Berry, who like Kaplan and Joubert started refereeing when at school and had his first Test in 2013 – Japan vs New Zealand.
“I first met Jonathan when I started out refereeing in KwaZulu Natal when JK was still based in Durban, and I clearly remember being appointed to referee in Vryheid with Jonathan – I did the 2nd team game and he did the 1st team game. As a 18 year old at the time, I drove with JK to Vryheid (an eight-hour round trip) and will never forget his words after the game – he was blunt and honest and summarised clearly what he felt I needed to do to progress. I would never have thought at that time that 12 years later I would be refereeing Super Rugby alongside the same man.
“JK is a unique individual, and I’ve really enjoyed spending time with him as I have grown in my career over the past 12 years. He has a special understanding of the game of rugby, and has helped me personally to get to where I currently am. He’s a good rugby man and someone who you can always rely on to be honest with you. There’s not much more you can ask from a colleague in this game…..enjoy putting your feet up JK!”
6. Marius, Jonker, whose 25-Test career started in 2005 and who refereed the Calcutta Cup match three times.
“A great moment for a great referee and friend!
“I have been privileged to be part of some rather interesting events on his way to Number 70. ‘Omkeer nou.’ Be happy, tjoppie, and well done!
7. Lesego Legoete, nicknamed Pro, who refereed the first of his five Tests in 2008.
“JK,
“Wish those that don’t know you had the privilege that we had to know you on both a personal and professional level.
“It was and still is a great honour to have worked with you all these years and I hope you will continue to add value to SA Rugby and referees everywhere you go.
“I personally would like to thank you for guiding my focus especially when it came to rugby decisions.
“Thanks, Brother
“Pro”
8. Deon van Blommestein, who was formerly a panel referee and the son of a panel referee and who is now a TMO on the international circuit.
” The credibility of a referee is determined by the quality of his decisions on and off the field. Jonathan Kaplan is synonymous with credibility. To be able to perform with credibility for the period that he has, is an astonishing achievement. It also speaks volumes for the person he is. He was an unique referee who voiced his opinion, but contributed to the development of the game over the last twenty odd years. The quality of the game is determined by the quality of referee. Jonathan contributed to many quality games, testimony to his attitude towards the game, general public and players. There is no better way to be remembered. His records will be broken, but his credibility will last for ever.”
9. Lourens van der Merwe, who became a Test referee in 2012 and has had a wonderful experience of whizzing around the world with his whistle.
“When I was starting as a young South African referee in 2001 it wasn’t only a privilege to meet a referee of JK’s stature, but a learningful journey during the years to come. JK’s taught me on and off the field valuable lessons that had a big impact on my career.
“What impressed me most about JK, especially the last two/three years, was JK’s ability to read a game and putting game related situations into perspective. His willingness to share his knowledge about the game taught me a lot!
“I wish him all the best and may his presence always be part of the game!”
10. Mark Lawrence, who refereed 30 Tests in his career, the second most by a South African, a Super Rugby Final and two Currie Cup Finals and is now much involved in the education and coaching of referees.
“It feels like yesterday that I first met JK but it has been more like a generation that I have come to know him and so there are many good times, memories, and stories that can be told.
“What I learnt from him was that the measure of greatness was to perform better than any other person in your field and to keep on doing it. JK epitomised this by his achievements and it was a privilege to be part of his great career.
“Mark Lawrence “