Tributes to Deaker
You cannot really fool friends and colleagues and clearly Kelvin Deaker admired him for many things, above all for being a good team man.
Some of his colleagues have sent in tributes.
Bryce Lawrence, New Zealand’s international referee: “Deaks – Kelvin has been a friend and respected peer of mine for the last nine years. We have had many great trips together both within New Zealand and overseas.
“He has always been a ‘team player’ and a dedicated professional referee –fit, a great grasp of the laws and a genuine love of the game.
“He has had a long career involving many 1st class games and over 20 test matches. I applaud Deaks for his contribution to refereeing in New Zealand.
“Congratulations on your new move back into the business world and best wishes to you, Meghan and the kids.
“Cheers – Bryce”
Craig Joubert, South Africa’s international referee: “Deaks,
“I’ve always admired you as one of the true gentlemen of the game. There are few finer individuals that I’ve come across in rugby. Thanks for all the memories, highlights include my very first overseas Sevens trip to Dubai and that day spent in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in canoes off Tonga. I will miss your company round the Super 14 circuit and on the golf course. All the best for your new career in Blenheim, I look forward to visiting and sampling some of the wine!!
“Cheers, Joubbers”
Jonathan Kaplan of South Africa, rugby’s most capped referee ever: “I would like to wish Kelvin all of the very best for his future outside of rugby. He has been a standout team man and a pleasure to get to know over the last decade or so – a top referee who represented his country with pride and honour all over the world.
“I will particularly miss his willingness to have a few post match drinks etc.
“Good luck, KD!”
Andrew Cole of Australia, former international referee: “In my opinion Kelvin was, on the field, a very consistent solid referee and I’m sure the teams always knew what they were going to get. Off the field he was the same – a very consistent solid guy and that says a lot about him both as a referee and a person – what you see is what you get. He had a good balanced approach to the game and knew where the “off button” was. Throughout the years it was always good to catch up with him. I wish Deaks all the best in retirement.”
Paddy O’Brien, formerly a top New Zealand referee and now the manager of the world’s referees: “‘Kelvin has been a valuable member of the IRB Referee Panel for a number of years and was highly respected by all his peers.
“His contribution both on and off the field at RWC 2007 was immense. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours and look forward to him staying involved in rugby.”
Stuart Dickinson, Australian international referee: “Rugby refereeing has seen another one of the ‘good guys’ move on with Kelvin’s retirement. Over the years Kelvin has been a great referee at all levels of the game and more than that a great mate. We have shared many great times together in many far-flung places around the globe and Kelvin has always been a great source of fun as well as being a loyal and dedicated friend. He has achieved a huge amount in his refereeing career and has always been a rock solid team player and referee. I wish him, Meghan and the kids all the best in retirement and of course with his new role away from Rugby.”
Lyndon Bray, former Test referee and currently in charge of New Zealand’s elite referees: ““Kelvin Deaker was one of New Zealand’s Senior Professionals and he leaves with a truckload of experience. One of his greatest attributes was his friendly and supportive manner, which made Kelvin an invaluable team player within the New Zealand refereeing team. That supportive, strong loyalty will be sorely missed within our team. I wish you all the best, Kelvin, on an exciting new adventure, in what is a fantastic opportunity for you and your family.”
Peter Marshall, former Test referee and currently in charge of Australian referees: “Kelvin a true professional on and off the pitch. Refereed some great games of Rugby at Super 14 and International levels. Always managed to keep his sense of humor regardless of the tenseness of the situation facing him. His experience as a referee will be hard to replace.
“Good luck in your next challenge. “
