Boost for Gulf referees
Sponsorship and appointments
Rugby referees in the Arabian Gulf are taking centre stage in a series of prestigious events in different countries over the next few weeks. And the high profile being enjoyed by officials has led sponsors Power Development International (PDI) to extend its support of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Referees' Society through to the end of the 2006/07 season and also back the Asian RFU's elite referees panel.
The logo of PDI, part of the Abu Dhabi-based Al Masaood Group of companies, will appear on the kit of officials taking part in forthcoming Rugby World Cup 2007 Asian Qualifiers, including the Arabian Gulf's games against Japan and Korea, plus a long series of regional internationals.
John Kay, General Manager of PDI, said: "As a company, we are proud of what the Arabian Gulf referees are achieving and this has spurred us on to renew our support for them and also to extend our support to elite referees in Asia.”
The agreement is another boost for the flourishing Gulf society. Steve Scott is currently refereeing at the Hong Kong Tens while Grant Bateman is running touch at the world-famous Hong Kong leg of the IRB Sevens. Alan Whitcombe has also been appointed to run touch at the IRB Singapore Sevens, the
following week.
Scott will also be in action as a referee in the IRB Under-19 World Championship, due to be staged in Dubai and Sharjah from April 4-21, with Bateman running touch.
In addition, Scott and Bateman are to take charge of forthcoming internationals between India and Thailand, and Malaysia and India, respectively.
Martyn Gulliford, Chairman of the Gulf Referees, said: "These are very exciting times for the Gulf Referees Society. We now have the second biggest representation, as a union, on the Asian elite panel behind the powerful Japan Union, so we are making terrific progress, especially considering our
comparatively small size with the other Asian unions.
"The sponsorship agreement with PDI will enable us to maintain the training and development of our officials as we continue to try and make good on our aim of providing the Arabian Gulf RFU and Asia RFU with the best referees in the region."
