Singapore ref Harry Mason on the world stage

First international, Sri Lanka vs. Thailand

Giant strides are being made in Asia rugby not only by the players, but by the match officials too.

Last weekend at the Wellington Sevens, the third leg of the IRB World Seven’s Series, 28 year old Harry Mason from Singapore made his debut as a referee at the highest level of the abbreviated game.

Harry, a former fly-half with the Singapore under 19’s and under 20’s, who also played international sevens at open level, started refereeing at the end of 2003. After several years cutting his teeth taking charge of games in Singapore and at club tournaments in the region, his recent rise to the world stage has been little short of meteoric.

He was out in the middle for his first international, the Asian 5 National Division 1 clash between Thailand and Sri Lanka, in April; was appointed to the prestigious Korea versus England Counties game in June and was a mainstay of the refereeing team for the inaugural Asian Sevens Series towards the end of the year.

His first foray into the worldwide spotlight came in Wellington, where he was out in the middle for Australia vs. Papua New Guinea, Kenya vs. USA and Wales vs. Niue. Harry admits to some pre-match nerves, but tells us he had a game plan which he stuck to and finished the day happy with his overall performance.

On the second day Harry was appointed to the Bowl quarter-final, where little Nieu upset Scotland with a 17-12 victory. His final game was the physical encounter between Tonga and the Wasaile Serevi coached Papua New Guinea.

At the 2009 Asian Women's Sevens Championships

Harry tells us he was given a couple of fines at the post match ‘Court Sessions’ including one for being flattened by a PNG player who tried to run through him.

“I’ve really enjoyed and learnt so much during this first tournament. I received positive feedback from the performance reviewers Colin Hawke, Tony Kelly and Garratt Williamson. I’m feeling good and fit at the moment and really looking forward to the next challenge in Vegas next weekend.”

Korea vs. England Counties

‘The whole experience has been fantastic including the street parade through the CBD of Wellington the day before the tournament. The atmosphere was superb.’

If Harry continues his present rate of advancement there’s some possibility he could be back in New Zealand next year, this time for the World Cup perhaps.