Rugby: Honiss set to become most test capped ref

Referee Paul Honiss of New Zealand. Photo / Photosport

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WELLINGTON - New Zealand referee Paul Honiss is on the verge of breaking Welshman Derek Bevan's record of 44 tests and become the world's most capped rugby test referee.

Honiss is set to achieve the significant milestone next week when he referees the World Cup play-off match for third/fourth in Paris.

Honiss started his international refereeing career in 1997 when he officiated in the international between Tahiti and the Cook Islands.

Meanwhile, Steve Walsh will become only the second New Zealander to referee a World Cup semifinal when he takes charge of the South Africa-Argentina game in St Denis on Monday morning (NZ time).

Walsh joins former New Zealand test referee and current International Rugby Board referees manager Paddy O'Brien, who refereed the 2003 World Cup semifinal between England and France.

Monday's match will be Walsh's 31st test in an international career that started in 1998.

New Zealand Rugby Union professional rugby manager Neil Sorensen said the pair's appointments were a fantastic achievement.

"Paul is rightly regarded as one of the world's top referees and it is fitting that he is on the verge of such a significant milestone at a rugby World Cup tournament.

"Steve's appointment is also a great personal achievement for him and further acknowledgement of his standing in world rugby."

- NZPA