Japanese referee takes control of Tooheys New Shute Shield
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Monday, 30 June 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
Round 13 of the Tooheys New Shute Shield marked a huge stepping stone in the career of Japanese referee Taku Otsuki who took charge of a Sydney first grade match for the first time.
Japanese referee Taku Otsuki (centre) with touch judges Guy Grinham and Jamie McGregor.
Japanese referee Taku Otsuki (centre) with touch judges Guy Grinham and Jamie McGregor. [2008 Tooheys New Shute Shield Round 13 - Southern Districts v Manly]
A week after refereeing the second grade clash between Parramatta and Eastwood, Otsuki took charge of the first grade clash between Southern Districts and Manly at Forshaw Rugby Park.
As part of his fifth trip to Sydney, Otsuki studied videos of the Experimental Law Variations with NSWRU Referees Manager Ron Mancell to help with his transition to the Shute Shield.
"Taku's been coming to Australia since 2005 to enhance his refereeing and his progression has been fantastic," said Mancell. "He started four years ago refereeing lower grades in about third division of 'Subbies' [NSW Suburban], and now he's at the level where he can control the top level of club Rugby under the ELVs."
"We wouldn't have put him into first grade if we didn't think he could handle it and he came through the match with flying colours," added Mancell.
Otsuki is an A-panel referee in Japan and has taken control of matches at the international level. His most recent appointment was for two matches in Division II of the HSBC Asian Five Nations, with the clashes doubling as Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying fixtures.
He will now rest up in the off-season before the 2008/09 Japanese Top League premiership begins later this year.