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Kaplan in a Du Plessis sandwich

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)
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