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Top Kiwi ref reveals Rugby World Cup snub

Cape Town - New Zealand referee Glen Jackson has revealed that he will not be going to the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.

In an exclusive interview with Sport24, Jackson said he has already been informed of the decision although the official list of referees going to the World Cup is yet to be revealed by World Rugby.

Jackson, who was named New Zealand’s Referee of the Year in 2018, has been snubbed with his countrymen Ben O’Keefe and Paul Williams set to be named for the showpiece event.

“I had hoped to be heading to the World Cup in Japan later this year, but I already know that I won’t be,” Jackson said.

“It’s a tough one for me, but we have got a couple of Kiwis going and I hope they do well. When it comes to selection, they (World Rugby) decide who they want there.”

Jackson added that his goals have now changed somewhat after learning he would not go to referee at his second World Cup, having gone to the 2015 event in England.

“My goals have changed a bit after missing out. It was refereeing at the World Cup, but now I would love to do another year of Super Rugby. The aim is to carry on for one more year and then possibly get into coaching whether it be of the referees or in a rugby team.”

READ Glen Jackson’s full Q&A interview with Sport24

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