Match Officials

Wayne Barnes

Wayne swapped his barrister's wig for a referee's whistle in 2005, becoming the youngest full time elite referee. He started playing the game at the age of eight and first took up refereeing, when he swapped his second row place for Bream RFC in the Forest of Dean, as a 15 year old. His career move from law to refereeing may have been seen as unorthodox by some but he has no hesitation in making it. He was identified as an outstanding refereeing prospect aged just 21, when he became the youngest member of the National Panel of Referees. As a student at the University of East Anglia he played on Wednesdays and refereed on Saturdays. He progressed rapidly through the refereeing ranks from then on.

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.

Stephen Woolley

Steve played most of his School boy rugby for Ivybridge RUFC , DHS for Boys and Devon. Whilst playing rugby for his Medical School team (Sheffield Medical School) he sustained a neck injury which forced him to retire from playing in the front row. He then decided to take up the whistle full time, after doing it on Sundays for Youth team games. He has slowly risen the ranks in the local refereeing circuit and is developing quickly with ambitions to take him on the National Panel of Referees soon. He has been lucky to be involved in big local games in Yorkshire and the North of England, also with the Combined Services Referees (Officiating in the Inter-Services games in 2009) and some National Panel games in the USA.

Bob Morrison

Bob joined the Royal Marines in 1979 where he saw service in all the major Commando units and two appointments as detachment Sergeant Major on HMS Cardiff and HMS Boxer. Bob played rugby throughout his service career representing the Corps and Exmouth 1st XV for some years. In his final 3 years he went on-to coach the Royal Marines side and act as Secretary, culminating in a rewarding tour to Cyprus and the International Akrotiri 10's competition.

On completion of his time in the Royal Marines, Bob took up coaching at youth level and then progressed on to refereeing with the Plymouth Referee Society. He is now working at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and is the Naval Referee South West appointments secretary.

He has two sons who this year will be playing for the first time together for Devonport Services Colts.

Charlie Osborn

At 14 years old Charlie's love of rugby has grown hugely since he started playing at the age of 5. He now plays the No 8 for his school team, his local club Ivybridge RFC and has also been chosen to attend the South Devon Development Squad. Charlie's interest in Rugby extends beyond playing the game, as he is also very keen on the official role and spends every Saturday running the line for the Totnes 2nd XV. It is very rare for a referee not to praise him for his dedication and thorough knowledge of the rules particularly when making decisions that were not favourable. His ability to stand his ground shows maturity beyond his years and as such the 2nd Team players, Captain and Manager voted him Quinnsman of the year 2008.