Mark Lawrence turns 50

No, not his age, but in Saturday he will referee his 50th Super Rugby match when the Chiefs play the Crusaders in Hamilton, a top match.

The first of 50? "My first Super game was at Ellis Park in 1999 between the Cats and Sharks. André Markgraaff was Cats coach and Ian Mac was the Sharks coach - tough coaches to please in your first game!

"During the game the lightning and thunder had me jumping around and I had to decide to stay on or take the players off! Luckily the storm passed and my decision was good to carry on with play.

"It seems trivial but at the time, the pressure was immense."

Most memorable match?

"The most memorable was my second game which was Reds vs Highlanders in a top-of-the-table clash.

"The media were furious that a rookie was given such a big game and they made a huge issue. I surprised everyone, including myself, and did a fair job!"

What's it like in Super Rugby? "I've been involved in Super Rugby for 11 years now and have really enjoyed the privilege of refereeing at such a high level. Most games were fast and intense affairs and proved very challenging. Also challenging was learning to travel and coping with long periods away from home.

"As refs we had to master jet lag, as sometimes we would have to fly to Australia and New Zealand twice or three times in as many months and not only did we have to cope with different cultures, we also had to learn to get on with each other.

"Sometimes we would be together like a married couple for weeks at a time. There were no coaches, doctors, team rooms, etc, to help and advise. We were all on our own. I have just about spent more time with André [Watson], Tappe [Henning] and Jonny [Jonathan Kaplan] on Super Rugby trips, than I have spent on holidays with my wife and family! That's not only because of the 50 games refereed but also the almost 100 I have touch judged.

"There is so much more I can recall about Super Rugby, too much actually, But what I must, and can, say without any reservations... What an experience!"

Help en route? "A heart-felt thanks to all those involved in my 11 years in Super Rugby... too many to mention but you all know who you are!"

By Paul Dobson