photo by Mark Harris

Three CymruRL Match Officials have been selected to attend the RFL match officials’ national camp over the weekend of July 21/22 in Brighouse, Yorkshire.

Dominic Emms, Ian Curzon and Richie Rees have progressed through the area and regional camps to be invited to this prestigious camp along with 22 other match officials from England

Commenting on the selection, the RFL’s match officials development manager, Geoff Berry said: "With the expansion of the Welsh Conference competition and the inclusion of the Celtic Crusaders in the National League it is also encouraging that for the first time we are attracting high quality match officials from the area. This has been highlighted by the fact that Welsh officials have been invited to attend this year’s match officials' national camp for the first time." 

"Match officials are an important part of any structure within the game at all levels. Hopefully by developing match

officials in Wales, it will work hand in hand with all the hard work which is been carried out by everyone responsible for moving the game forward to the next level in the area."

Secretary of the Wales Match Officials Society, Alan Smith said: “The Society has grown beyond my wildest expectations since it was set up towards the end of last year. We supplied all three officials for the Easter international between Wales and England U15 and now this, which is fantastic recognition for the Society as a whole and all the members deserve a pat on the back for the effort and commitment they have shown throughout the season - long may it continue. We have had tremendous help in gaining these achievements from CymruRL and the RFL and we thank these two bodies for their assistance.”

A number of Match Officials have progressed since the first national camp in 1999 to become Senior Referees including Phil Bentham who is now refereeing Super League, Gareth Hewer, Craig Halloran, Jamie Leahy and Robert Hicks.  Hopefully in a couple of years there will be some names from the Wales Society added to this list.   

If you are interested in becoming a Match Official please contact:

Alan Smith
Tel: 07812407442
or email Alan