Former rugby players, Monty Dumond, Egon Seconds, Jacques Nieuwenhuis and Mpho Matsaung will take to the field as referees in the Coca-Cola Academy Week at the Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbiljpark from 6 to 9 July.
Dumond played provincial rugby for the Sharks, Eastern Province, Griquas and Boland, while Seconds represented Western Province and Griquas; Matsaung and Nieuwenhuis played for the Valke. Nieuwenhuis also played international rugby for Namibia, which included appearances at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups in France and New Zealand.
Dumond and Nieuwenhuis also made their mark in the Cell C Community Cup, where Dumond represented GAP Management Despatch up until this year’s Easter Playoffs in Rustenburg, while Nieuwenhuis played for GS Metals Brakpan last season.
SARU CEO Jurie Roux said he was pleased to see the drive to convert former professional players into referees was paying dividends. He added that he hoped more players would follow in their footsteps in future.
“It is fantastic to see well-known players begin take up the whistle,” said Roux. “It not only shows their passion for the game, but it also allows them to transfer their expertise and experience as players into refereeing, and this will be beneficial for the sport.
“We are lucky enough to have some of the world’s best referees in South Africa’s refereeing structures and there is no doubt this will continue if former players join the ranks. Refereeing offers the option of a new career as our top referees are contracted.
“I wish them all the best as they attempt the next step in their rugby journeys.”
Nieuwenhuis will take charge of the clash between the Lions and Western Province on the opening day’s play on July 6, while Seconds will officiate the match between the Blouvalke and Nambia, Matsaung the match between Border CD and the Leopards, and Dumond the encounter between Griquas and Pumas CD.
Monty Dumond
Egon Seconds
Jacques Nieuwenhuis
Mpho Matsaung