Former Queensland Reds scrum-half becomes first Australian to both play and officiate in Super Rugby

This past weekend saw former St.George Queensland Reds scrum-half Nic Berry become the first Australian to both play and officiate in Super Rugby, as he made his professional refereeing debut in the match between the Stormers and the Sunwolves in Cape Town.

Berry, who earned thirty-three caps for the Reds during his playing career, has risen through the Australian Rugby referee ranks at a rapid rate, having only first officiated BLK Queensland Premier Rugby and Buildcorp National Rugby Championship matches during 2015.

Australian Rugby Union’s National Referee Manager Scott Young said he was pleased with Berry’s first outing in the middle.

“Nic did a great job officiating his first Super Rugby match. After gaining experience as an assistant referee in a number of matches throughout the opening rounds of Super Rugby, he easily transitioned into the middle for the match between the Stormers and Sunwolves,” Young said.

“As a former professional player, he brings a wealth of knowledge into his new role and relates well to the players.”

While Berry’s experience as a former player assists him on the field as a referee, Young believes Berry has added a lot to the National Referee Team off the field.

“As someone who has been around professional Rugby for a long time, Nic is helping develop the right culture within our National Referee Team,” he added.

As a player, Berry sought a move overseas after finishing with the Reds at the end of the 2005 season. Following a stint at French club Racing Metro, he joined London Wasps, where he amassed 35 caps for the club.

However, after sustaining a series of concussions during the 2011/2012 season, he was advised to retire from the game.

Returning home to Australia, it was hard for Berry to stay away from Rugby for long, joining the ARU’s Player Match Official program, which encourages past and current players to take up the whistle and use their playing experience in a refereeing capacity.

In the space of two years, Berry earned himself a position on the Super Rugby Referees panel for 2016. It is hoped that Berry’s success will motivate other young players to consider match officiating as part of their contribution to the future success of the code.