Simon McDowell to referee South Africa v Australia
Simon McDowell has been appointed to referee the first ever final of the Under 21 World cup in South Africa.
The final is due to be held on Friday at the famous Ellis Park Stadium. McDowell will referee South Africa v Australia.
It has been a busy year for the 34 year old Company Director. He refereed his first World Cup Qualifier between Netherlands and the Czech Republic. He has officiated in two Under 21 Internationals (Scotland v England & England v Wales), an Under 19 International (Wales v France) and the A International between Wales and Tonga.Domestically, he refereed the All Ireland League Division Three final and refereed all three televised games this year.
It is a very positive step forward for Irish refereeing. Ireland now has four referees on the IRB Panel and a further three officiating at A International level.McDowell was introduced to Refereeing by current Ulster Branch President and former Ulster Prop Kelly Wilson. Both were members of the former club N.I.F.C.(Now Belfast Harlequins).