Honiss hits 200 games in charge
New Zealand referee Paul Honiss is set to become only the second New Zealand referee to reach 200 first-class matches when he officiates in the Super 14 match in Perth later this week.
The 43-year-old is to referee the match between the Western Force and the Cheetahs in Perth on Friday 27 April. He reached 199 first-class matches when he refereed the Crusaders vs Hurricanes in Super 14 match last Friday in Christchurch.
The achievement leaves Honiss second behind New Zealand referee Paddy O’Brien, the IRB’s present manager of referees, who officiated in 219 first-class games, including 37 Tests.
Last year Honiss became New Zealand’s leading Test referee when he surpassed O’Brien’s record, and he has now officiated in 39 Tests, four behind the world record held by Welshman Derek Bevan.
Apart from his Tests, Honiss has referees 48 Super rugby matches, 67 New Zealand Provincial matches and 45 other first class matches.
Paul Gerard Honiss was born in Hamilton on 18 June 1963. He started refereeing in 1984 and refereed his first Test in 1997 – Tahiti vs Cook Islands. He is currently a full-time referee.
