Match Officials

Luke Pearce

Young English referee Luke Pearce has been appointed to the IRB panel of officials taking charge of matches in this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series.

Pearce, 23, will work at six of the nine series tournaments, starting with the New Zealand International Sevens at Wellington on February 3-4 next year.

It continues the Devon referee’s rapid progress since his elevation into the Elite Referee Unit 12 months ago.

Pearce, from Exeter, made his first Aviva Premiership appearance at Kingsholm in charge of Gloucester Rugby v Worcester Warriors last month and his development has also seen him appointed to matches in France as part of the RFU/FFR exchange programme.

Nigel Higginson

I stopped playing at the age of 27 after many injuries playing for my local club Plymstock (now Plymstock Albion Oaks) and took up the challenge of the whistle, with no views to progression or a "career" as a referee.

After a few years I was fortunate enough to be accepted onto the National Panel and have had some fantastic experiences over the past ten seasons. I have refereed in both hemispheres and in many countries across Europe and at all levels outside of the premiership.

I have now hung up my whistle and am now pursuing the life of a touch judge, which I am finding quite challenging as it presents the requirement of new skills.

I am very involved with my local club, Plymstock Albion Oaks, where we have a thriving youth section and a flourishing ladies team, alongside our colts and senior sides. We are a very ambitious club with plans taking shape for a new clubhouse and improved facilities.

I had every intention of attending this match and giving it my full support and to now be asked to officiate fills me with pride.

I know that I reflect the thoughts of the whole nation when I say how proud I am of our service men and women who make huge sacrifices without question to protect our shores and what we believe in.

Andy Kemp

Andy is an ex army medic, who left the service as a Captain in 1996. Andy played rugby as both a No2 and No6 during his time in the army. He played as No2 for Farnborough, Camberley, and Blackheath in the 80's. On leaving the service he played No6 for the Portsmouth and Fareham vets, hanging his playing boots up after back surgery. He has coached youth sides for the last 9 years, winning the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire championship 7 years out of 9. He became Chairman of Junior rugby for Lincoln in 2008. He qualified as a referee in 2002 refereeing games in all age groups in the Lincoln area.

Anything I can do for H4H is small payment for the courage and commitment of our service men and women - nothing is too much for them.

Neil Garrett

Neil was forced to stop playing rugby last season because of a neck injury but quickly took up the challenge of the whistle. He says that it is a completely different experience, whilst still being just as much fun!

Having played for PRFC in the inaugural Medics Rugby Challenge, Neil was keen to stay involved with the Medics Rugby Challenge and is delighted to have been given the opportunity to officiate in the U16s match.

Russ Taylor

Russell Taylor lives in Exmouth and is 45 years old. Joined the RM in 1985 and has since served in all major units of the Corps. Has seen Operational service in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is presently holds the rank of WO2 and is the Course Sergeant Major for the Advanced Command Course RM at CTCRM.

He has been officiating for 2 years. Other past times include, playing golf (badly), playing guitar (badly) and motorcycling (thankfully better).

Charlie Osborn

At 15 years old Charlie's love of rugby has grown hugely since he started playing at the age of 5. He plays for his school team, and local team Totnes. Charlie's interest in Rugby extends beyond playing the game, as he is also very keen on the official role and spends every Saturday refereeing senior level games.

Alison Morton - Physio www.alisonmortonphysio.co.uk

Penny Atkinson - Team doctor