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Good luck in retirement George
George Ayoub to Retire as Top Level Referee
July 17, 2007 - 11:28am
Story by: ARU
Australian International Rugby Referee George Ayoub has announced his retirement, effective the end of 2007, ending a 17 year career with the whistle.
George controlled three (3) Tests, the first of those the Japan Vs Tonga match in 2002 - He was also the man in the middle for 17 Super Rugby matches and 180 First Grade games.
He began refereeing in 1990, was appointed to the Sydney first grade competition in 1995 and was elevated to the National squad the following year.
“After 11 seasons involved at the national and international level I plan to move onto other challenges,” said Ayoub.
“It is time to call it a day at the senior level and allow the next generation of referees to take over.
“Some of the highlights for me have been my first test match, Japan v Tonga, being involved in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, numerous 7’s finals around the world, two First Grade Grand Finals and visiting over 30 countries to referee,” he said.
Australian Referees Manager Peter Marshall, himself a former International Referee says George has made a large contribution.
“George has been a valuable member of the ARU National Referee Squad for over a decade and his experience and teamwork will be missed when he retires from international rugby,” Peter Marshall said.
“In saying that I am sure George will remain part of the ARU Referee set up in some way so he can pass on his knowledge to the younger referees in Australia,”he said.
He isn’t quite finished with the whistle just yet.
George will control the Australian Schools-New Zealand Schools match on October 10th.
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