Super Rugby veteran Mitch Chapman will become Australia’s referees coach, it was announced Tuesday.
Chapman, who played for the Reds, Brumbies and Waratahs in a Super Rugby career spanning more than a decade, will manage Australia’s top referees and their high performance needs.
The 34-year-old will work under Australia’s referees boss Scott Young, bringing a fresh set of knowledge and experience to the role.
“We’re really looking forward to having Mitch in this new role as he’s very passionate about ensuring our team are at their best on the international and domestic stage,’’ Young said.
“Mitch brings an in-depth knowledge of the game having played Super Rugby for more than 10 years and understands the modern players’ thinking around rugby’s laws.
“Having been a referee selector this year, Mitch is enthusiastic and offers a fresh set of thinking to help our referee team achieve our goals of excellence.”
Chapman, who has been playing in the NRC with the NSW Country Eagles, said he was looking forward to being a part of the game in a different way.
“I’m really looking forward to this exciting new challenge and it’s great to be involved with the game again at the elite level,” he said.
“Referees are a crucial part of the game and I am eager to be joining the team as we prepare for the upcoming Vodafone Super Rugby season.”
One of the referees he will be coaching is Angus Gardner, who will be officiating the England vs France Six Nations clash in February.
