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Johannesburg - A referee in the Golden Lions Rugby Referees Society, Francois Smit, passed away in Carletonville on Saturday afternoon after having refereed a game at Carletonville High School.
He was 56.
At this stage it is believed he passed away from a heart attack.
According to Theuns Naude, Manager: Referees at the Golden Lions Rugby Union, Smit handled a match at Allen Glen High School on Saturday morning and then drove through to Carletonville to referee a match there in the afternoon.
“He was a very committed referee who was always available, no matter what the game was, be it under-14s or any other club or schools game. He was always eager to go on the field and was an extremely trustworthy referee who never missed an appointment.
“It is a great loss for the union and a truly sad day for refereeing. He will be sorely missed,” Naude said.
Smit lived on the West Rand in Johannesburg and is survived by his wife Lynn.
