Players okay refs

The top rugby players in South Africa gave a tick of approval to the top referees in South Africa.

This is one of the many findings to emerge from research done on behalf of the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA).

The survey covered a number of topic, including remuneration, financial planning, study opportunities, medical care and rest opportunities, administration, coaching and refereeing. 328 contracted players from the 12 provinces responded to the questionnaire, organised and collated by Ross van Reenen, a former Free State player who has done much research into professional rugby.. He found that the 328 respondents were "straightforward in their answers and the sampling was overall of a high standard".

Coaches passed. 54% of the players thought they were very good with just 7% finding them below par. 18% of players thought administrators were very good while 30% thought they were below par.

The question on referees was: In general are you happy with the standard of refereeing?

81% of the players professed themselves satisfied. The provinces who were not as happy were the Free State, the Blue Bulls and Western Province. Just over 52% of the Free Staters were satisfied and just under 46% of the Blue Bulls were satisfied. Western Province were the most dissatisfied with fewer than 37% satisfied.

Border were the most satisfied at 100%, followed by Griquas, the Sharks and the Valke who were 94% satisfied. The Lions were 93% satisfied, the Pumas 90%, South Western Districts 89%, Eastern Province 85% and Boland 82%.