Marius Jonker: Will still officiate in SA competitions
Referee Marius Jonker has announced his retirement from international matches although he will continue to referee in South Africa's domestic competitions.
44-year-old Jonker announced his decision following discussions with South African Rugby Union Referees general manager Andre Watson.
"I have had a highly enjoyable international career, refereeing at Test and Super Rugby level but the time has come to move on," said Jonker.
"I still love refereeing and will continue to take charge at Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup level - as well as in SARU's other competitions."
Jonker made his debut at first class level in 2003 and quickly rose to take charge of his first Test match in 2005. In all, he refereed in 24 Test matches - the last of them in 2011.
"Marius has been one of the world's top referees for a number of years," said Watson.
"Along with Jonathan Kaplan, Mark Lawrence and Craig Joubert he was part of a crop of outstanding South African officials who raised the bar for officiating everywhere.
"He has served SARU, SANZAR and the IRB for a long period with distinction. I believe he did not receive the acknowledgement and credit he deserved.
"But what's important is that his experience is being retained by SARU and can be passed on to the young guns in the next season or two."
Comments
jonesy2 says...
this is shame. jonker was one of the better refs. makes it all the more of a shame when the likes of clancy, barnes, rolland and owens still have jobs. stunning really
Posted 10:04 23rd December 2012
Ramage says...
As a kiwi I agree with King Shark that whilst not my favourite referee he was extremely capable and consistent and to me far better than incumbants Clancy Barnes and Poite. As well, Mark Lawrence to me was everything you want from a referee consistent calm and knew his laws. What was so good about mark was the way he went out of his way to explain his rulings to the players and the respect he showed to the players. Compare this to the condescending way barnes speaks to the players. It is sad to see these men leaving the International field behind wnen many of those still there are below the standard these men set.
It is interesting to see another saffa referee who has had very little Super experience in the middle being given a test match and it showed that he was far from ready in that Italy Australia match. How does van der Merwe get such a game when he has had so few Super games and is not up to test rugby or the standard sent by his compatriots. one wonders just what is going on.
Posted 08:41 09th December 2012
new_j4a says...
Agree with both KingShark and kiwiKev....Marius was a good competent ref, but Mark Lawrence set the standard for man management....simply the best.....and unfairly passed over.
Posted 17:02 07th December 2012
logophile says...
I was also disappointed when Mark Lawrence retired from international reffing.
Posted 16:34 07th December 2012
Kiwikev says...
@ KingShark
Could not agree with you more - Mark Lawrence is top drawer IMO...
Posted 07:17 06th December 2012
KingShark says...
Jonker was not my favourite but he was fairly consistent.
The ref that really did not get the acknowledgement he deserved, was Mark Lawrence. That guy new how to manage a rugby match. I remember a match where he addressed Smittie and the other captain with the words "You're better than that" and the niggles and handbags stopped. They probably meant Mark and not Bryce when they drew up the list of referees for last year's world cup ;)
Posted 08:44 05th December 2012