Nice chap from Warwickshire has just started blogging his perspective with the whistle. Check him out:

http://www.therugbyref.co.uk/

• • RFU Elite Referee Unit plan for the coming season
  • JP Doyle and Greg Garner awarded full-time contract

The Elite Referee Unit (ERU) of the Rugby Football Union has confirmed the full time contracts of JP Doyle and Greg Garner as it continues its succession planning and appointments programme ahead of the 2010/11 season.

Head of Elite Referee Development Ed Morrison and Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew have ratified the appointments of Doyle and Garner after they successfully completed their two year trainee programme that has seen both referee in the Guinness Premiership, the IRB Sevens circuit, the Churchill Cup and Pacific Rim tournaments around the world.

Luke Pearce, 22, is the latest trainee to be appointed and he will work with Ed and his team of referee development managers,Tony Spreadbury and Brian Campsall, with the aim of further developing his considerable potential, starting from August 1.

Two more referees Ian Tempest (22) and Lyr Apgeraint Roberts (33) join the ERU in a part time capacity.

Assistant Referees Paul Burton, Nigel Carrick and Rhys Davies have gained promotion into the ERU after a rigorous selection process.

Morrison said: “One of our objectives within the Elite Referee Unit is to establish a clear development pathway for our young talent and JP and Greg’s progress shows that we are delivering tangible results in this area, and we aim to continue that with Luke, Ian and Lyr.”

has, I think, just become unsellable (not that I want/need to!)

I’ve done 65k miles in two and a half years. Nice!

And we haven’t done yet. Trusty 54 plate, diesel 1.9 injection Vectra.  Bless it’s little cotton socks!

Ye Gods. I’m cream crackered! Just coming off the back of a 4 game 7 days. Haven’t done one of those since I was at Uni!

Nature of the beast at this time of year with the end of the season creeping up on us and league games – postponed from earlier in the season – to be squeezed into the remaining time. Add in the odd touring game and a Society meeting as well, Im in need of a day off! Last Monday was the interesting one. I refereed a Prem A league side versus a side from Siberia. Interesting way of going about a game when you know they don’t understand English! I think they understood and a cracking game was had by all. Not sure they were ever going to win, but they stayed positive and ran the ball with the try line in sight! None of the old stick it up jumper approach to attacking rugby!

This weekend, I’ll be renewing my relationship with my fav hotel in the SW. Not been there this season, so Im hoping they remember me!!

Season coming to and end? Not for me Guv!!