Cape Town - Jonathan Kaplan made an emotional farewell from refereeing in Saturday's Currie Cup final at Newlands.
GALLERY: The Currie Cup final in pictures
GALLERY: Jonathan Kaplan' career in pictures
Durban-born Kaplan, who will turn 47 on November 7, was somewhat controversially named as the referee for the WP v Sharks spectacle and will retire from first-class refereeing at the end of the season.
There were some memorable comments heard over the 'veldore' post-match from numerous players thanking Kaplan for this contribution over the years, none more moving than Sharks prop Jannie du Plessis who was heard saying: It has been an absolute privilege knowing you and thank you for ... everything!"
Kaplan, who was spotted in tears prior to kick-off, reffed his sixth Currie Cup final on Saturday, to go with three Super Rugby finals and four Rugby World Cups.
The Sharks lifted the trophy after a one-sided 33-19 victory.
Bismarck du Plessis, Jonathan Kaplan and Jannie du Plessis (Gallo Images)
GALLERY: The Currie Cup final in pictures
GALLERY: Jonathan Kaplan' career in pictures
Durban-born Kaplan, who will turn 47 on November 7, was somewhat controversially named as the referee for the WP v Sharks spectacle and will retire from first-class refereeing at the end of the season.
There were some memorable comments heard over the 'veldore' post-match from numerous players thanking Kaplan for this contribution over the years, none more moving than Sharks prop Jannie du Plessis who was heard saying: It has been an absolute privilege knowing you and thank you for ... everything!"
Kaplan, who was spotted in tears prior to kick-off, reffed his sixth Currie Cup final on Saturday, to go with three Super Rugby finals and four Rugby World Cups.
The Sharks lifted the trophy after a one-sided 33-19 victory.
Bismarck du Plessis, Jonathan Kaplan and Jannie du Plessis (Gallo Images)