Searching for next of kin of Test referees

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is looking for the families of 37 Test referees who have passed away so they can receive a special cap in their loved one’s honour.

Next month, NZR will be holding an event culminating a project to officially cap all referees who have overseen an international Test match. The group includes close to 90 referees overall, and spans from New Zealand’s very first Test referee in 1899 to the current elite officials.

As part of this, NZR hopes to find family members of referees who have passed away. Some of these will be descendants of referees active over 100 years ago, while others will have close relatives able to attend the event and receive a cap.

While next of kin has been found for a small handful of deceased referees, it is hoped that the wider rugby whānau will be able to assist in honouring this group’s contribution to international rugby.

Former Test Referee Bryce Lawrence, now NZR’s Head of Training and Education, is hoping contacts can be found for as many former referees as possible.

“This capping project has been in the works for a few years now as a way to formally acknowledge the significant part referees have played in New Zealand’s rugby story. It’s important to us that we locate as many family contacts as possible in order to show our appreciation and honour their loved ones on and off the field.”

The list of referees requiring next of kin contact details is below. If you or anyone you know can help identify family contacts for anyone on this list, please contact communications@nzrugby.co.nz

 *denotes that next of kin have since been found.