Small hits the big time

RFU Elite Referee Andrew Small has been appointed to the IRB International Referee panel for the first time in his career.

Small, 34, will take charge of South Africa’s home test against Italy in June.

Further RFU Elite referee appointments include Dave Pearson (44) who has whistle blowing duties for the Argentina v Scotland test in the summer and Wayne Barnes (30) who will be in charge of New Zealand v Ireland and Samoa v Japan in June, and the Tri-Nations match between South Africa and Australia in September.

Robin Goodliffe (53) joins the Assistant Referee panel for the first time. JP Doyle (31) and Greg Garner (29) have been appointed to the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship panel for the tournament in Argentina.

Chris White (47) a test veteran of over 50 games comes off the IRB International Referee Panel after 12 years. Chris will continue to be part of the RFU Elite Referee unit for the remainder of the season.

Head of Elite Referee Development, Ed Morrison said: "The appointments are richly deserved and all reflect the hard work that Andrew, Dave, Wayne, Robin, JP and Greg have put into their jobs over the last 12 months.

"Tony Spreadbury, Brian Campsall and I with Rob Andrew’s full input and backing will continue to develop our officials to ensure that we have a strong presence on the international panels and the experience they will gain from all of these games is essential to their on-going development.

"I’d like to thank Chris White for the superb work he has carried out as a member of the IRB International Referee’s Panel over the last 12 years and his track record speaks for itself. He will continue to be a key member of the Elite Referee Unit until the end of this season at which time we’ll discuss with him a suitable career pathway.

"Chris has a huge amount to offer the game and we would like to utilise his considerable experience in the best way possible going forward."