New era for Lions referees

Johannesburg - The Golden Lions Rugby Referee’s Society (GLRRS) is entering a new era with the announcement of its first professional committee.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) appointed an operational committee together with a high performance department that will fall under high performance of the GLRU with Tiaan Jonker as chairperson for the next two years.

The aim of the GLRU and GLRRS relationship is to ensure access to resources which in turn will result in a more professional set-up and sustainable development. Key objectives include identifying and coaching potential GLRU referees for the various SA Rugby panels and squads.

At this stage four referees will be contracted by the GLRRS and is a first for South African Rugby.

“It has been a long road to get where we are and I think we have reached a big milestone with the new structures at the GLRU. I want to thank the CEO of the GLRU, Mr Rudolf Straeuli for his leadership and guidance. It would not have been possible without him,” said Theuns Naude, manager of referees at the GLRU.

Operational Committee

Referee Manager: Theuns Naude
Chairperson: Tiaan Jonker
Transformation: Siphiwe Khumalo
Recruitment & Marketing: Pro Legoete
Coaching/High Performance: Sieg van Staden
Performance Review: Pierre Oelofse
Grading & Selection: Chris Beale
Training & Education: Johan Black
Discipline: Renier Vermeulen
Society Welfare: Ronald Louw
Primary Schools: Peter du Toit