The Scottish Herald newspaper reports a former professional player who is planning on “going dark” and swapping the ball for the whistle.
Mike Adamson, the former Glasgow Warriors and Scotland 7s fly-half is retiring from playing at the end of the season after 11 years with Glasgow Hawks. Speaking to the Herald he said, “I turn 30 in May and feel I’ve achieved as much as I can playing rugby, but I still want to be successful in the sport. I have been refereeing schools and university games recently and am taking charge of a cup game between Heriot’s and Livingston in the coming weeks.
“From my playing background, I feel I understand the game well. A good game of rugby is dependent on a good referee and I think I understand what the players are trying to achieve on the pitch and have empathy during the game to help ensure a good match.
“Former players usually go down the coaching route after retirement but I feel I will be able to achieve more through refereeing. I have gained a lot from rugby and would like to give back to the sport.”
No Scottish referee has taken charge of a Six Nations match for nine years but Adamson has aspirations towards being involved at the highest level. “I was an ambitious player and will aim high as a referee,” he said. “There are a lot of steps to be taken but I’m up for the challenge.”
