This month's referee of the month is Ryan Waite, from Tauranga, who moved to the Bay from Auckland at the beginning of this year.
Waite, 30, had been playing rugby since he was five years old and is new to refereeing this year.
"I stopped playing two years ago after
a bad injury and wanted to still be involved," said Waite. "Dad was a ref for a number of years in Taranaki and now coaches the refs down there, so I've always thought I'd like to give reffing a go following my playing days."
He says he loves the challenge and opportunity to keep improving.
"You have great support around you like coaches that give you feedback, and chatting to the top Bay refs like Nick Briant really helps to develop your game." Refereeing Tauranga Boys' College 2nd XV against his old school team New Plymouth Boys 2nd XV, is a highlight of Waite's refereeing career.
