Young ref put to test in Dubai
Officiating at highest level — at just 21 years of age
Ngāhinapōuri’s Bradley Thomas has had a once in a lifetime experience, refereeing at the 2023 Emirates Dubai International Invitational Sevens — an invitational tournament run alongside the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
After plenty of fundraising, including raffle tickets and a donation from the haupō/ Ngāhinapōuri Lions Club, Thomas set off for the tournament.
The competition consisted of 350 international teams of varying levels of ability.
Thomas refereed nine games over three days and was also an assistant referee for 20 matches.
“I was selected by the Canterbury Rugby Referees Association to be put forward for selection for the tournament and then was selected by the tournament as one of 72 referees from around the world to attend,” he said.
“It was extremely exciting to be selected to referee at my first overseas tournament at only 21 years of age.”
It was Thomas’ first time officiating overseas and he enjoyed refereeing at the highest level in both the men’s and women’s grades.
One of his top matches, and highlights, was being in charge of the women’s match between Ireland A and USA A.
Thomas started refereeing as a Year 11 student at Hamilton Boys’ High School after he stopped playing rugby.
After studying at the University of Canterbury for four years, Thomas is now back in Waikato.
“I have been refereeing for seven years. I followed my father [Campbell] into refereeing and have loved it ever since.
“I will be back refereeing in the Waikato next year where I hope to referee premier rugby and develop further as a rugby referee in New Zealand.”