Peyper becomes South Africa’s 65th Test Referee
The 31-year-old Jaco Peyper will become South Africa’s 65th Test referee when he takes charge of the International match featuring Kenya and Zimbabwe on the 23 July 2011.
Peyper, refereed at last year’s IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina; and at this year’s tournament which was held in Italy where he took charge of the final match which was contested by New Zealand and England.
“Test colours are not awarded cheaply, which makes Jaco’s appointment significant in the first instance,” said Andre Watson, SARU Referees Manager.
“I am sure that ultimately it became an easy decision as his track record speaks for itself. We wish him well, and are confident that he will serve South African Rugby and the international rugby community with distinction.”
Peyper, who was elevated to SANZAR’s Merit Panel in 2011, started his refereeing career in 2001 and officiated in his first Vodacom Super Rugby match in 2009 when he took charge of the game featuring the MTN Lions and the Highlanders in Johannesburg.
The 31-year-old referee also officiated in numerous Absa Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup matches which included the Vodacom Cup final in 2007 between the GWK Griquas and Vodacom Blue Bulls in Kimberley. He has also taken charge of 10 Vodacom Super Rugby matches which includes five games during the 2011 Vodacom Super Rugby season.
“I am completely excited and at the same time looking forward to the opportunity of refereeing at Test level,” said Peyper.
“It’s every referee’s desire to officiate at the highest level, and I am grateful at the opportunity given to me to make my mark on the Test arena. The competition of refereeing in South Africa is of such a standard that I am honoured at the opportunity vested in my skills to be able to apply them at international level.”
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