Full-time blown by George Ayoub
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Friday, 29 August 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
Charismatic referee George Ayoub will blow the final whistle on his career this weekend, standing in the middle for the final time in Round 22 of the Tooheys New Shute Shield.
George Ayoub, 2006 NSW Referee of the Year, hangs up the whistle this week.
George Ayoub, 2006 NSW Referee of the Year, hangs up the whistle this week.
Taking charge of the West Harbour-Eastwood clash at Concord Oval, Ayoub will bring down the curtain on an illustrious refereeing career which has seen him officiate at the highest levels of the game.
Educated at St Patrick's College, Strathfield, Ayoub went on to play almost 100 Kentwell Cup matches for St Patrick's from 1985 to 1988 before taking up refereeing in 1991.
He has officiated in almost 200 First Grade Games, including two Sydney club Rugby Grand Finals, and in 2006 was awarded the Dick Byres Medal for NSW Referee of the Year.
"There is a bit of sadness," said Ayoub. "I've really enjoyed the challenge of club Rugby. I'll miss the internationals and Super 14 games too, but club Rugby has been really enjoyable.
"Unfortunately there comes a time when your mind and your body says 'enough is enough' and it's time to move on."
At the representative level, Ayoub has refereed 20 Super Rugby matches, four Test matches, was a touch judge at Rugby World Cup 2003 and refereed at the 2006 Women's Rugby World Cup in Canada.
Ayoub said that throughout his career he came under fire from players and crowds, but understood it was simply a part of refereeing he had to accept from early on.
"I was a player myself so I understand the frustrations out there on the field," said Ayoub. "You certainly get called all sorts of names; players like Michael Cheika and John Welborn always had some choice words and funny comments, but at the end of the match hopefully you can put it all behind you, sit down and have a beer."
Ayoub will not be lost entirely to the game, continuing with Television Match Official duties as well as mentoring a number of young referees coming through the ranks.
NSW Referees Manager Ron Mancell praised Ayoub's dedication to the role throughout his career.
"There's no doubt George has been one of the most recognisable referees in Australian Rugby over the last decade or so," said NSWRU Referees Manager, Ron Mancell. "His record at club and representative level speaks for itself.
"He's been a great servant of the game and will certainly be missed."