Jonker's 'huge final honour'

Tiaan Jonker has described his appointment, as Monday’s Varsity Cup Final referee, as a ‘huge honour’ in his promising refereeing career.

The brother of Test referee, Marius, 34-year-old Tiaan will officiate in his first-ever Varsity Cup Final, having been part of this tournament since its inception in 2008.

He told varsitycup.co.za: “There are some fantastic referees in the Varsity Cup, so it’s a huge honour for me to have been appointed to referee the final. This is my third year refereeing in a great tournament – it never fails to live up to its expectations.”

Tiaan, who works as an attorney in Johannesburg, has reffed many matches at the Danie Craven Stadium – “where the students in the crowd really know and love their rugby” – and he has also officiated in league matches involving both the Maties and the Ikeys – Monday’s finalists – this season.

“I refereed Maties v Tuks and UCT v Tuks league matches – it does help to know the players, as it makes things a bit easier for us referees out there,” said Jonker, who is part of the Golden Lions Referees’ Society.

“But no matter how much video work you do, or how well you know the players, the beauty of rugby is that it always conjures up something different on the day.

“Both the Maties and UCT like to play open, running games and we [referees] like being in charge of matches like that.”

Monday’s FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International Final – the third successive finale in Stellenbosch – has attracted plenty of column inches in the build-up.

The unbeaten Maties – and back-to-back champions – have not lost a game in the Varsity Cup since late last season, whilst the unpredictable Ikeys – the long-time bridesmaids in this tournament – will be hoping to shock the favourites on their own turf.

“Maties-Ikeys matches are always close-run affairs – finals or not,” said Jonker.

“I’m expecting both teams to have a good go and I look forward to being involved in a huge match like this.”

By James Kingston