Paddy O'Brien will this weekend become New Zealand's most capped test rugby referee when he officiates in the Six Nations match between France and Wales.
The match in Paris will be O'Brien's 27th test and his 181st first class game.
"To become the most capped test referee in New Zealand rugby history is something which I am going to take a lot of pride out of," O'Brien said.
"I think it is ironic that I take over the mantle of most tests from (former New Zealand referee) Dave Bishop as he was the ref I looked up to when I joined the Southland Referees in 1984."
O'Brien, 43, has refereed twice before in Paris - in 1997 at the last test played at Parc de Princes when South Africa beat France and last year when France beat Ireland to secure the Grand Slam at Stade de France.
O'Brien said the highlight of his refereeing career was the opening game of the 1999 Rugby World Cup between Wales and Argentina.
Two other significant memories were the third test between the British and Irish Lions and Australia in 2001 and the South Africa-Australia test in Johannesburg last year.
- NZPA
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Sport
UFC returns Downunder; Adesanya return to be explored
Adesanya's team hoped they'd fight at UFC 300, but now may get the call-up closer to home.