The Rugby Football Union in conjunction with the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership have been putting all their efforts into a referee recruitment drive in the Oxfordshire region.

Oxfordshire Sports Partnership have identified coach development as an important element of the game which needs improving, especially the recruitment and development of referees.

Over the last 12 months the programme, which has also been supported by the Oxfordshire Referee Society and RFU referee trainer David Payne, has qualified over 120 referees in the area – 40 of which are part of the young official programme set up by the partnership.

“When we look at the development of our clubs and coaches we often forgot one of the most important components of the game – the referee,” said Steve Kemp, rugby union co-ordinator for Active Sports.

“We are looking to develop the next generation of referees. It is hoped by giving younger players the opportunity to develop as a referee, the Oxfordshire Referee Society will have more referees officiating at the highest level of the game.

“The benefits of the programme is to give young referees a greater understanding of the game, gain experience in management and leadership skills as well as the opportunity to take refereeing to the highest level. “