Rugby Southland Referee Louise Moore is set to become Southlands next first class referee, with her appointment to the Farah Palmer Cup (formerly the Women’s National Provincial Championships). She will referee the Tasman v Hawkes Bay match on Saturday October 14.

Originally from Mid Canterbury, where Moore refereed for one year as an 18 year old, it was a move to study nursing under the S.I.T Zero Fees initiative that brought Moore to Invercargill.

Moore stated “I’ve had a lot of support over the five years I have been with Rugby Southland Referees, and especially from my coach Murray Jarvis, whose input has been invaluable. His continued advice, support and constructive criticism a have been a hugely significant part of my development.”

The Farrah Palmer Cup appointment was the icing on the cake for Moore, who during the 2017 season already had a wealth of accolades under her belt including winning the award for Most Improved Referee 5 years + at the annual SBS Bank Rugby Southland Referees Awards, refereeing her first senior mens game, was awarded a final in the Southland wide U17 grade and South Island Secondary School Girls tournament in Christchurch, along with refereeing two other matches in Christchurch – one on Rugby Southland Referees Interchange Program, and the second to be looked at by NZ Rugby Referee selectors. Lastly, she was also selected to be part of Southland Rugby Referee’s Academy programme which Moore stated “I have really appreciated the advice around nutrition, sports psychology, fitness and coaching that has been given to me and I believe this has strengthened my skills as a referee and ultimately led to the successes around refereeing appointments”.

Moore is the first referee from Southland to be appointed to referee a Farah Palmer Cup match and in doing so, becomes Southland’s first female first class referee.

“When I was told that I had been selected to referee a Farah Palmer Cup match, I was initially shocked, but when it sunk-in that my hard work has been recognised I was proud of that and excited for the opportunities ahead.”

Rugby Southland Referee Education Officer, Kirk Rae said “I was excited when news came through of Louise’s appointment and we are very proud of her. This is good reward for all the hard work and dedication Louise has demonstrated, and we are also excited to produce another first class referee, which shows that you can do it from Southland.”

Rugby Southland General Manager, Andrew Moreton added “Louise has progressed her way to this opportunity through hard work and a genuine willingness to develop her refereeing”.