Well-respected Eastern Bay rugby referee Jaco Brouwer has now refereed in a place many will be unaware rugby exists – Sri Lanka.

Brouwer travelled to the Asian country recently, having been provided the opportunity by the Sri Lankan Rugby Association and Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

While there, he refereed the Bradby Shield, a special annual rugby clash.

“I was blessed to ref both legs of the 79th Bradby Shield. This is an annual game played between Trinity College and Royal College, played over two legs, home and away with the two scores added together to get the final score and determine the winner.

“The first leg at Trinity was won by Royal College and the second at Royal was won by Trinity College. However, the total score was in favour of Royal College.”

The opportunity is something he won’t forget in a hurry.

“It was an absolutely amazing experience … I will even look at the option of a family holiday there when the time comes about for us.”

Brouwer said the fans and supporters were rugby mad, and the referees also showed a lot of enthusiasm.

“Even though the games were awesome with large crowds and an awesome vibe, I found the eagerness and enthusiasm to learn by the referees was just electric. The opportunity for me to help others was just great.

“The level of rugby does have room to improve. The biggest challenge they have is in relation to the scrums. But as for players’ commitment and dedication to the contact area, the players are just as committed.”

The matches were played in Kandy and Colombo, which is where Brouwer spent all of his time.

He said at times communications between the referees were challenging.

“Having crowds of 10,000 and 12,000 people for the two games, the communication between the referee and players is hard during play – there is a constant hum around the grounds with brass bands playing constantly.

“At times the language barrier did have an effect with some players, but other than those two things, it all went well.”

He said he’d jump at the opportunity to do something like that again.

Since returning home he has been busy being an assistant referee at the re-introduced Ignite 7s, in Mount Maunganui.

He is looking forward to a busy 2026.

“In April next year, I celebrate 20 years since my first session to becoming a referee.

“The option has been discussed for Sean Moore and me to become the referees educators and trainers here in the EBOP area. So, for all those ex-players and supporters who are keen to keep involved in the game, know the laws better and keep fit to meet any level (from JAB right up to Bay wide Premier) they choose to referee at, they can get in touch with us, and we can get the ball rolling.”