Rugby Museum to host capping ceremony for whānau of former refs

Former referees are set to receive their caps. Photo: Unsplash / Davide Buttani

Three former test referees are set to be honoured with a capping ceremony, but New Zealand Rugby is still seeking descendants of others.

The New Zealand Rugby Museum is hosting a capping ceremony for the trio in partnership with NZR.

Alongside opening a new display dedicated to test referees, the event celebrates three match officials from the amateur era who dedicated themselves to rugby.

The exhibit comes from a New Zealand Rugby project to number test referees, from the first in 1899 (William Garrard, #1) through to the most recent (Angus Mabey, #88).

Angus Mabey referees a match during the NPC. Photo: Aaron Gillions / Photosport

In 2022, 54 refs were capped at Eden Park, including 12 deceased refs who were represented by whānau.

Three more referees will be honoured at the upcoming ceremony at the New Zealand Rugby Museum.

NZR vice president Erin Rush will present the caps at the ceremony on 20 March to family of Frank Sutherland (#12) and Allan B Farquhar (#32), who refeereed in the 1930s and 1960s respectively.

Manawatū-based referee Frank Parkinson (#25) will be represented by the Rugby Museum's chairperson, Clive Akers, reuniting this ceremonial cap with Parkinson's rugby memorabilia collection, previously donated to the museum.

Former test referee Bryce Lawrence, now NZR's head of training and education, was the key driver of the original capping initiative and is looking forward to acknowledging three more of the refereeing fraternity.

"We're thrilled this exhibit continues our efforts to celebrate New Zealand's refereeing history. Match officials have always played a significant role in our game, and this display will help share that story with the museum's guests," Lawrence said.

"I have great memories of the capping event in 2022, and thanks to the museum's research, we're able to facilitate a special moment for two more families in honour of their loved ones.

"Knowing that Parkinson's cap will be added to his existing collection at the museum is pleasing, and his personal story can be complete."

NZR is keen to track down the descendants of another 18 referees. Photo: Supplied / NZ Rugby

NZR said it continues to seek descendants of 18 referees who have yet to be contacted about receiving a commemorative cap on behalf of their ancestors.

NZR said if readers know of the families or believe themselves to be related, they should contact communications@nzrugby.co.nz