Super Rugby debut for Doleman

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Referee James Doleman makes his Super Rugby debut tomorrow night as the man in charge of the Rebels-versus-Lions clash in Melbourne.

His Gisborne grandmother, Rose Doleman, was proud to hear of James's appointment today.

An avid sports fan, Rose Doleman is a life member of the Poverty Bay cricket and hockey associations.

Her late husband Jim was a goal-kicking machine for Old Boys in Lee Brothers Shield rugby and a cricket all-rounder for Pirates.

James Doleman, based in Dunedin, has previously acted as assistant referee (formerly touch judge) at several Super Rugby matches and has been a regular referee on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit.

After the Melbourne game, he will head to Ireland for two games in the Pro 14 competition, which features club teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy and South Africa.

Doleman, who turns 29 next month, hopes to officiate at the sevens tournament at this year's Tokyo Olympics, but describes test rugby as the ultimate.