The New Zealand Rugby Union has thanked Hawke’s Bay referee Kelvin Deaker for his 13 years of excellent service to rugby in New Zealand after he announced his retirement from all refereeing today (11 November 2008).
43-year-old Deaker made his National Referee Squad debut in 1996 and in total refereed 177 first class games, including 23 Test matches. In a unique coincidence both his first and last Tests in charge involved Japan in Tokyo – the first against Wales in 2001 and the last against Fiji in June this year.
Deaker’s career highlights include officiating at the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups, refereeing in the Six Nations and taking charge of the 1999 Air New Zealand NPC final between Auckland and Wellington.
NZRU High Performance Referee Manager Lyndon Bray today thanked Deaker for his contribution to rugby in New Zealand.
“Kelvin has an outstanding record, both as a first-class referee in our Air New Zealand Cup and Rebel Sport Super 14, and also as a Test referee.
“He is one of our squad’s greatest team players and will be sorely missed by his peers. We all wish Kelvin the best of luck with his new career and hope to see him back supporting referees in the future,” Bray said.
Deaker said, “I have had a fantastic time with rugby and to have been given the opportunity to officiate in matches on grounds around the world that I had only previously seen on TV will leave many fond memories.
“It has been great to be part of our national game for so long. However the time is right to stand aside and get back into a life outside of rugby where you work during the week and then have the weekends with family and friends.”
KELVIN DEAKER’S REFEREEING CAREER:
National Referee Squad debut – 1996
Rebel Sport Super Rugby debut – 2000
Test debut - 2001
Total First Class Fixtures - 177
Test Fixtures - 23
Rebel Sport Super Rugby Fixtures - 41
Air New Zealand Cup/NPC - 72
AA Rewards Heartland Championship - 19
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