WHISTLE BLOWERS

CENTRE STAGE

THE SA Rugby referees panels were named yesterday, with nine referees on the elite premier panel and 17 on the national panel while there are nine television match officials for next year.

In addition, seven names are on the Sevens panel for 2019.

SA Rugby referees manager Banks Yantolo said while SA match officials continue to play a prominent role on the world stage, a lot of hard work is being done behind the scenes to ensure local refs perform to international standards.

A steady stream of young men and women’s referees have been identified and developed with the future in mind.

Meanwhile, two officials on the national panel, Sindile Ngcese and Ricus van der Hoven, have been appointed as referee coaches for next year, when they will use their experience and expertise to help mentor and coach promising and aspiring match officials.

Yantolo is satisfied that the strategic preparation, which culminated in a midterm plan for the department, will help to keep SA referees on a solid foothold.

THE SA RUGBY REFEREES PANELS FOR 2019

Premier: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Stuart Berry, Quinton Immelman, AJ Jacobs, Cwengile Jadezweni, Jaco Peyper, Rasta Rasivhenge, Egon Seconds, Marius van der Westhuizen.

National: Christopher Allison, Johre Botha, Griffin Colby, Ben Crouse, Stephan Geldenhuys, Jabian Jeftha, Jaco Kotze, Mpho Matsaung, Pumzile Mbewu, Ruhan Meiring, Paul Mente, Vusi Msibi, Bulelani Naka, Eduan Nel, Jaco Pretorius, Archie Sehlako, Divan Uys.

TMOs: Christie du Preez, Johan Greeff, Marius Jonker, Joey Klaaste-Salmans, Pro Legoete, Lourens van der Merwe, Shaun Veldsman, Willie Vos, JJ Wagner. Sevens Panel: Christopher Allison, Johre Botha, Griffin Colby, Morne Ferreira, Ashleigh Murray, Rasta Rasivhenge. Women’s: Lee-Ann Donson, Cameron Dyers, Siyanda Ketse, Maria Mabote, Lusanda Mtiya, Ashleigh Murray, Bulela Qwane