Ulster Rugby vs Bath

USRFRREFEREE Q&A SARATOPPING

WELCOME We welcome Alexandre Ruiz and his team of officials to the Kingspan Stadium this afternoon. As always, we ask that everyone respects the referees' decisions and that you keep your shouting and roaring for supporting your team!

What is your favourite thing about refereeing?

Tell us a little bit about your rugby background?

My favourite thing about refereeing has been how much it has taught me about Rugby, not only the game but the people involved. I have been to many rugby clubs and schools since starting and everyone from players to coaches to supporters have been so welcoming and supportive. What is your ambition as a referee? As a female referee I understand I am part of a minority, however having seen what some of the female referees are achieving I am hopeful that I will be able to work my way through the ranks and the dream would be to be able to travel to other countries and referee both male and female games. Who is your favourite referee and why? Jerome Garces has become a favourite of mine. I think his refereeing during the World Cup was some of the best and I think he was well deserving of the final! What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up refereeing? Do it! It has allowed me to enjoy the game from a whole new perspective, it has kept me involved and allowed me to meet a great bunch of people who have been so

My late father Arthur Topping was a schools rugby coach so when I was young I spent all my time at the pitches with him. One of my first memories of rugby is sitting on a scrummage machine! I then played at Rainey Old Boys Rugby club and Ulster Under 18, and then joined Ballynahinch Ladies 5 years ago. I recently hung up my playing boots for the season due to a hip injury. Why did you decide to take up the whistle? When I suffered my hip injury which led me to needing surgery I knew I wanted to stay involved in the game in any way I could. My step father and rugby coach (Clem Bassett) has been a referee for a long time and he encouraged and supported me to give it a go! How did you actually become a referee? I contacted Richard Kerr expressing my interest in giving it a go, I attended a one day course and have since attended several workshops for the different areas of the game. I have also received several assessments on the games I have refereed giving me pointers and also some coaching from experienced referees. What is the most important thing you have learned since you started refereeing? I have learned that no two games are the same and that every match teaches you something new. It has been so important for me after games to think of both negative and positive things that I did so I can keep developing.

supportive and taught me so much! If you are interested in refereeing, please contact Richard Kerr (Referee Development Manager). Email: richard.kerr@irfu.ie Tel: 07493 868388

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