Top referees confer in Stellenbosch
The June Tests are looming and this is a great opportunity for top referees to gather their breath and refresh what they are doing and should be doing.
The conference takes place at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, an excellent facility in one of the world's most beautiful times. Even in winter it is a great place to be.
The conference kicks off at 06.00 on Monday morning with fitness stuff and lasts till Wednesday evening when they settle down to a serious dinner.
The conference chairman is Alain Rolland, World Rugby's recently appointed rugby boss, a man who played and refereed international rugby.
Others will be Rhys Jones, the game analyst, Matt Blair, the fitness man, Nick Mallett, the former international player and international coach, Mark Lawrence of South Africa, and Tracy O'Callaghan who is World Rugby's match official coordinator.
The referees taking part are Federico Anselmi (Argentina), Wayne Barnes (England), Stuart Berry (South Africa), Nick Briant (New Zealand), Matt Carley (England), George Clancy (Ireland), JP Doyle (England), Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Angus Gardner (Australia), Pascal Gauzère (France), Glen Jackson (New Zealand), Craig Joubert (South Africa), John Lacey (Ireland), Marius Mitrea (Italy), Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), Nigel Owens (Wales), Luke Pearce (England), Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Romain Poite (France), Mathieu Raynal (France), Alexandre Ruiz (France), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa).
Shaun Veldsman of South Africa will be the only television match official at the conference.
