Paul O’Connell backs Munster referee recruitment drive

Paul oConnell John LaceyIRFU legend Paul O’Connell, pictured here with international referee John Lacey, is joining up with Ireland’s Munster branch to promote refereeing in the region. With both Munster and Ireland Rugby needing more referees, O’Connell is encouraging those interested to take up the role and give something back to the game.

The MAR (Munster Association of Referees) has the first of a series of new referee coaching courses this Sunday which is being run by IRFU referee development manager Peter Fitzgibbon, once he has finished with his European Cup duties in Bordeaux this evening.

At a recent recruitment launch, Munster legend Paul O’Connell said that both Munster and Ireland Rugby need more referees and he encouraged those interested to take up the role and give something back to the game.

He said referees were both mentors and coaches to him as he moved through the underage ranks and evolved into advisers both technical and interpretive as his career matured.

He stressed on how at underage level referees helped young players understand the need for discipline which helped with their development pathway.

Details of the new referee Coaching Course can be found at MAR’s website. For further information please email info@munsterrugby.ie