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Paul Honiss to become New Zealand’s top Test referee |
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Written by BMR789
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Wednesday, 12 July 2006 |
 Paul Honiss
He will reach the milestone of 38 Tests when he referees the Philips Tri Nations Test between Australia and South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday 15 July.
Honiss equalled the record of 37 Tests, previously held by former New Zealand Test referee Paddy O’Brien, when he officiated in the IRB Rugby World Cup qualifier between Tonga and the Cook Islands last month.
NZRU Manager of High Performance Refereeing, Keith Lawrence, said it was a fantastic achievement for Honiss, who was recognised as one of the world’s top rugby referees.
“Paul is an exceptional referee and he has demonstrated that on the world stage. This achievement is a credit to his outstanding ability and drive to succeed at the top level,” Mr Lawrence said.
Honiss started his international refereeing career in 1997 when he officiated in the international between Tahiti and the Cook Islands. Since then he has officiated in two IRB Rugby World Cup tournaments, including the opening match between Australia and Argentina at the 2003 event.
The world record for the most Test matches refereed is held by Welshman Derek Bevan, who has officiated in 43 Tests.
New Zealand’s top five Test referees
Paul Honiss (37 Tests)
Paddy O’Brien (37 Tests)
David Bishop (26 Tests)
Colin Hawke (24 Tests)
Steve Walsh (21 Tests)
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Last Updated ( Friday, 21 July 2006 )
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