Referees' tributes to Honiss
At the age of 45 Paul Honiss of New Zealand has decided to retire from international refereeing, going out as the most capped Test referee in the history of rugby. Some of those who knew him nest pay tribute.
In a long career at the top, Honiss refereed 46 Tests of which the last was Australia vs France in Brisbane, 211 first-class matches, including 49 Super fixtures and 71 national provincial championship matches in New Zealand. He refereed at the World Cups of 1999, 2003 and 2007.
He will now become the national customer relations manager with Downer EDI Works and be based in Hamilton, his home town. One of the construction company's activities is to sponsor New Zealand's Super 14 referees.
Some of Honiss's colleagues talk about him.
1. Paddy O'Brien was New Zealand's most capped Test referee till Honiss went past him. O'Brien now runs world referees and says of Paul: "Paul epitomised professionalism. He was the ultimate team player and, from a personal point of view, I will miss his leadership within the elite panel."
2. André Watson, referee of two World Cup Finals and currently South Africa's referee boss, said: "Paul was in my view, a referee that was not always recognised for the excellent job he did over a very long period. A top class person, great gentleman and a colleague that I am proud to say is also a friend of mine."
3. Jonathan Kaplan, South Africa's top referee with 44 Test caps, who attended the same World Cups as Honiss, said: "Congratulations, Paul, on a great career with many memorable matches.
"I have always been impressed by Paul's dedication to his profession and his professional manner. He has been a model for all aspiring referees for his fitness and his clear signals.
"He has had trying times and I wish him and his family the best of wishes. As a referee he has been able to immerse himself in his work without neglecting the needs of his family, as few have been able to do."
4. Nigel Owens, the top Welsh referee who was at the World Cup with Honiss last year and refereed the 2008 Heineken Cup Final, said: "A true professional, and good company."
5. Bryce Lawrence, a top New Zealand referee: "Paul was a fantastic athlete – quick and super fit. He prided himself on his fitness and worked very hard to achieve some of the best standards in the world.
"He was also a very, very good referee who was part of many special rugby encounters.
"I'll always remember Homer for his effort, professional approach to his refereeing career and his tremendous on-field achievements. More importantly though I'll remember him for his friendship, our times travelling together and his support. Refereeing finishes for us all one day and a new chapter starts. Friendships last for ever.
"Good luck Homer."
6. Chris White, top English referee: "Paul was a true professional and ambassador for refereeing and his experience and company on the circuit will be greatly missed."
7. Pater Marshall, former top Australian referee and now the manager of Australian referees: "Paul Honiss has been an outstanding referee at all levels of the game. He has refereed at three Rugby World Cups and his experience will be sorely missed on the International scene. Paul is an outstanding athlete and is retiring while at the top of his game. I congratulate him on an outstanding career and wish him well in his next challenge."
8. Craig Joubert, top South African referee who was at the 2007 World Cup: "Homer,
"Congrats on a fine career! As a young referee in South Africa I admired your professionalism and was proud to have become a colleague of yours in the last few years. It was a special moment running touch for you in the Rugby World Cup game in Paris when you equalled Derick Bevan's record of 44 test matches - a significant achievement. We will miss your distinctive "ruck time" and surely no other touch judge in World Rugby will beat wingers to the goal line with quite the same regularity as you achieved over your career! Look forward to continuing the battles on the golf course when Super 14 takes us back to Hamilton."
9. Stuart Dickinson, the top Australian referee, Like Honiss a World Cup referee: "Paul has been a great servant to the Game, a wonderful referee and a great mate over the years. His World Record is a great reward for all of the effort he has put in and he will leave the refereeing ranks as one of the most respected guys in the Panel. I have enjoyed sharing many great times with him both on and off the paddock as well as with his wonderful family. Paul is a very devoted family man and was also a referee not afraid to make the appropriate decision at the time and I have the greatest amount of respect for him as a referee and as a person. I thank him for his great friendship over the years and wish him, Rebecca and the kids all the best with his retirement and many happy years in the 'former international referee' life."
10. Alan Lewis, top Irish referee who was at two World Cups with Honiss: "My first encounter with Paul was when four of us namely Honiss, Walsh Jnr, Kaplan and myself were starting our international career at the Pan Pacific World Cup qualifier in Australia in 1998. Being with each other in such an environment engenders a spirit of friendship and togetherness that often lasts forever. Now each of us have been on the circuit almost 10 years. Where does the time go!
I think if you look at the four all are very different in character but that is what makes this wonderful world of ours go around. Trying to get Paul back to bed at a reasonable hour was something I always found difficult to do! It was much easier with Walshy!
When one looks at Paul’s contribution to the game words like honestly and integrity immediately spring to mind. He was a hugely committed professional who was completely dedicated to his trade. No one could ever question that.
I know the Honiss family well and the foundation of his home was a massive factor in his comfort at performing at this level. We all know of Becci’s little set back and I have no doubt when Paul weighed up all the issues that life throws at us it was time to go. Sometimes people like to go in a blaze of glory but I must commend Paul for not doing this. It is never an easy decision as we all want to go on forever. The secret is to know when and feel comfortable with it but try and do it at the top. Paul has done this.
He has been a great ambassador for our group of elite performers and I have no doubt that he will pass that knowledge and experience to others. All I want to do now is wish him the best in his retirement and also to Rebecca Sarah Jacob and Nick. The other bit is that hopefully there will be a room in Hamilton in 2011 if they still want my services then!
Many congratulations on all you have achieved.
Love and hugs
Lewi
11. Mark Lawrence, top South African referee who refereed this years Super 14 Final and has been to two World Cups with Honiss: "I, too, would like to compliment you, Paul, on an outstanding refereeing career.
"I recall fondly the first time we met on the Super 12 circuit. A game at Newlands, over Easter, and nowhere to eat dinner. Wikus Wait, the minister, told us he knew of a place that would be open. So off we walked. That place was closed but Wikus insisted he knew of another place. Further we walked from closed restaurant to closed restaurant until it was too far and too late to walk back to the hotel Finally, a desperation call to the SARU and eventually someone picked us up and took us back. You reffed a blinder the next day despite the ordeal.
"You certainly were an example to which all referees aspire. All the best to you and Becci and hope to see you in Hamilton in the future."
12. Carlo Damasco, Italy's top referee who was at the 2007 World Cup as a touch judge: "Honiss is a serious person.
"I have had the fortune to collaborate with him on different occasions and he has always impressed me his professionalism.
"On the occasion of November Test in Paris I remember still that during the dinner the day before the game Paul got up and said 'Excuse me but it's late for me. I'm going to sleep." It was 9.20 p.m. and the dinner was still in progress. Around that table there was his wife and her daughters. Paul left the table alone to go straight to sleep"
"Ireland vs Argentina (Rugby World Cup) Honiss refereed a great game. I still remember game with a lot of pressure!
"Excellent fitness and nice style in the field are the qualities that we never forget.
"We hope meet him early off the field!
"Well done, Paul!
Carlo
13. Lyndon Bray, top New Zealand referee who is also heading towards retirement: "Paul Honiss became the most capped test referee in history during 2007 and it is fitting that he holds that accolade. Paul has been one of the most professional referees throughout his international career. His dedication to his fitness, his mental and tactical preparation has seen him hold a place at the top of international rugby for a long time.
"He deserves to enjoy his new career, safe in the knowledge that he did New Zealand proud, as one of our best ever referees."
Lyndon
14. Marius Jonker, top South African referee who was at the World Cup with Honiss and was his touch judge when Australia played France, Honiss's last Test: "Thinking of Paul Honiss brought several thoughts to my mind. Professional, neat, great referee, friend and above all a person of integrity with fantastic family values.
"We have had wonderful times together and I will miss this dearly. I was fortunate be involved in Homer's last test two weeks ago and he refereed superbly as usual. Having played lots of golf against him on our tours and getting thrashed I did manage to beat him the last time we played which was the day before his last test. I am proud to be the last South African to officially take money off him. (Sorry Homer, had to tell them!).
"All the best my friend and may God bless you and your family."
Regards
Marius Jonker