First Test for SA's Peyper
Jaco Peyper, the 31-year-old lawyer from Bloemfontein, has been appointed to referee a Victoria Cup match between Kenya and Nairobi on 23 July 2011, a match which may well decide the winner of the cup.
It will be Peyper’s first Test, the 65th South African to referee Tests recognised by the International Rugby Board (IRB).
This year so far Peyper, as a member of SANZAR’s merit panel of referees, has refereed Super Rugby for the third year and was also the referee at the Junior World Championships who refereed the final between New Zealand and England.
For him it was the second year of his refereeing at the IRB Junior Championships.
André Watson, South Africa’s refereeing boss, said: “Test colours are not awarded cheaply, which makes Jaco’s appointment significant in the first instance.
“I am sure that ultimately it became an easy decision as his track record speaks for itself. We wish him well, and are confident that he will serve South African Rugby and the international rugby community with distinction.”
Told the news on Thursday, Peyper said: “I am completely excited and at the same time looking forward to the opportunity of refereeing at Test level.
“It’s every referee’s desire to officiate at the highest level, and I am grateful at the opportunity given to me to make my mark on the Test arena.
“The competition of refereeing in South Africa is of such a standard that I am honoured at the opportunity vested in my skills to be able to apply them at international level.”
