Tell us a little about yourself: age, place of birth, current occupation.

—Was born in '66 in Burton on Trent in England, 15 months later I moved to Brazil where I lived for close on 20 years. I work in Miami at SwissRe.

What is you background as a rugby player?

—I played school rugby and represented Midland Schools as a fullback and captain. In Sydney I played for Eastern Suburbs in the 2nd grade and moved back to ENgland where I played for Clifton RFC. When I moved to Switzerland I played for RC Zurich.

Why did you decide to become a referee?

—I injured my neck following a collapsed scrum in a 10-a-side tournament and decided I wanted to continue in the middle of the game.

Did you have some kind of mentor?

—Yes, Norbert Li Marchetti, FIRA AER Div 2 referee and IRB MO Trainer for 8 years.

Do you remember your first game as a referee? How did it go? Any funny or special memory?

—First game was a GO game in Sydney, The Bloodstains against The Timberlogs......I guess it was ok, I was given a tie and free beer pass!!!!

What was the most memorable screw up?

—Awarding the wining try to London Welsh in the final of the Anglo Welsh U19 in Deer Park in front of 12'000 people only to see it was the 5 meter line!!!

Which is the one game you most remember of your career?

—In Avignon France, France U21 against Italy.

How well do players and coaches in Florida know the laws of the game?

—Its my first season, but I guess the laws are relative to the level and style they choose to play.

What is your opinion in general of the attitude of players towards the referees in Florida?

—I will answer this one in 12 months time!!!

As a referee, have you made more friends or foes?

—Many many friends around the globe, its a very special and devoted family.

Does being able to watch a game on video help you improve your skills?

—As long as the errors are looked at constructively and correctly represented.

What are the most rewardings aspects of being a referee? And the least?

—We still remain on the match sheet as the 31st player, the least can be the antagonism we have to face at times.

If you have had the opportunity to ref a match oversees, how was that experience?

—I have refereed in many countries in Europe and Sth America, there is nothing better than applying your standards and interpretations in a different rugby society.

What would you tell a player to encourage him becoming a referee?

—Dont hang up your boots, give back everything rugby has given you.

Any final thoughts or comments about being a rugby referee?

—Its the best seat in the game, and everyone, no matter what the level deserves to have a referee at peak performance.