On Saturday, 25 February, Zack McGeechan (9/PR) was nominated by the South Sydney Rugby Referees Association to referee at the Sydney Football Stadium before the Waratahs game against the Western Force. This is an outstanding achievement that comes off the back of being awarded the SSRRA “Rookie of the Year” award for 2016.

Having always enjoyed playing and watching Rugby, Zack decided to referee as a way to further his involvement in both school and club Rugby. With a great love for the sport, particularly playing, Zack feels that refereeing has improved his playing ability because it has helped him develop a greater understanding of the rules and technicalities.

Reflecting on his recent experience at Allianz, Zack said, “Refereeing at Allianz stadium at first was very daunting, although when the match started it was just like refereeing a normal match.” While Zack feels that refereeing a Waratahs game would be an amazing opportunity, he thinks that “20,000 people cheering who don’t have the knowledge of the rules of Rugby and start booing if a call goes against their team, even if it’s the correct decision,” would make it a very difficult role.