Test Referees Exhibition and Capping Ceremony
RUGBY TEST MATCH REFEREES
Referees are an essential part of our game, enforcing the laws and ensuring fair play. 88 New Zealand referees have been appointed to international rugby, from William Garrard in 1899 to Angus Mabey’s debut in July 2024. A new display case tells the story of some of those who have taken to the pitch with whistle in hand (a kiwi invention by the way), tracing the game from the amateur through to the professional era and the rise of women's rugby.
NZRM to host Test Referee Capping Ceremony
Alongside opening a new display dedicated to test referees, on Thursday 20 March we will be celebrating four match officials from the amateur era who dedicated themselves to rugby. In 2022, 54 refs were capped at Eden Park, including 12 deceased refs who were represented by whanau. Four more referees will be honored at the upcoming ceremony at the New Zealand Rugby Museum. We are still seeking descendants of 17 test referees, please see below.
Any of these faces familiar?
We're looking for descendants of test referees to receive a formal cap from New Zealand Rugby.
Contact us!
If you are a descendant, please contact:
communications@nzrugby.co.nz
Check back again soon for more stories from the exhibition