Welcome to NSW Rugby Referees Association
Established 1892

Dr. Ian Roger Vanderfield, AO OBE

It is with great sadness that we learn that Dr Ian Roger Vanderfield OBE, AO passed away on 25 September 2008, aged 80.  Ian was a life member of the Association and was the pre-eminent referee of his time and arguably one of, if not our greatest test referee.

Dr Vanderfield had a long and distinguished career with NSW Rugby both on and off the field. Between 1952 and 1976 he refereed more 1260 matches including a representative career that incorporated 14 Tests and 18 other internationals.

His standing in the world game has few peers. He was elected a life member in numerous Rugby bodies from referees to NSW and the ARU.

Dr Vanderfield was the President of the NSWRU and the ARU during the 1980s.

During that time he was instrumental in creating the first Rugby World Cup as Chairman of the International Rugby Board and a member of the RWC organising committee.

Dr Vanderfield will also be missed by the medical community, especially Royal North Shore Hospital, where a building is named in his honour.

In 1976 Dr Vanderfield became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and in 2006 he was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Dr Vanderfield’s funeral will be held on Friday, 3rd October 2008 at 12.30pm in the Camellia Chapel at Macquarie Park Crematorium, Corner Plessey and Delhi Roads, Macquarie Park.

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The NSWRRA is separate from the NSW Referees Department although both work together for referees in Sydney.  Find out more...