A New Perspective on the Pitch

"Beyond personal development, refereeing is one of the most impactful ways to give back to the game and ensure the sport continues to thrive in Singapore."

For most of my life, the rugby pitch was a place defined by the heat of the game, the physical clash of a tackle, and the singular pursuit of a try. Having played the sport since the age of six, including two years representing SJI International from 2023 to 2024, my identity was firmly rooted in being a player. However, life has a way of shifting your perspective when you least expect it. Today, while I serve my National Service, my priority on the field has shifted from seeking personal glory to serving the game as an official. It is a journey that has taken me from the familiar grounds of the Padang to the National Stadium and across regional borders, teaching me lessons in resilience, leadership, and the true meaning of character.

The Turning Point: A Conscious Choice

My transition from player to referee was sparked by a turning point in July 2024, when I suffered an injury that required surgery. That recovery period allowed me the space to reflect on my future in the sport. Interestingly, although I was cleared to play again several months ago, I have made the deliberate decision to continue prioritising refereeing as much as possible for now.

Choosing the whistle over the jersey was not about a lack of ability, but a newfound passion for the craft. Since expressing my commitment to the senior members of the Rugby Refereeing Union, I have been supported with incredible opportunities both in Singapore and across the region. Making the leap to officialdom is a double-edged sword; it provides a completely different perspective where you witness both sides of the game. Even if I eventually return to playing, I know I will be a step ahead of my peers because I now understand exactly what a referee is looking for and grasp the game’s deepest nuances.

The Regional Stage

Being one of the younger referees in the Union, I’ve had to work very hard to prove myself, but that dedication has been met with overseas exchanges and top-tier assignments. My "office" has since spanned some of the most prestigious tournaments in the region.

In November 2025, I officiated at the Singapore Cricket Club 7s (SCC 7s), the highest-level rugby tournament played locally, featuring semi-professional teams from powerhouses like New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. One of my most notable matches there involved two Japanese clubs, Tamariva and Kurumi, where the speed of play demanded absolute focus. My international experience grew in January 2026 at the Asian Schools 7s in Bangkok, where I faced a major language barrier refereeing local schools. Without the ability to explain calls in detail, I had to rely on physical gestures and basic communication to manage the match—a vital lesson in interpersonal skills.

The pinnacle of my journey so far was the Southeast Asian 7s. Through consistent performances in the pool stages, I was appointed to the Women’s Final between Thailand and Malaysia, marking my refereeing debut at the National Stadium and my first experience with national teams. My efforts throughout the season were further recognised at the Singapore Society of Rugby Union Referees (SSRUR) 75th anniversary awards night, where I was honoured to receive the Rising Star (Junior Referee) award.

The SJI International Impact: Standing Strong

People often ask how I handle the pressure of being one person surrounded by 30 players all trying to influence the match. My time at SJI International provided the foundation for that mental fortitude.

In my two years at SJI International, I learned the value of resilience and hard work. The school taught me to stand tall through adversity and challenges. I vividly remember my first adult matches where the players were all older than me, which can often lead to confrontation. However, the values instilled at SJI International helped me stand strong, maintain a clear mind, and make accurate decisions under fire.

Beyond the Whistle: Honing Communication

Refereeing has fundamentally changed how I interact with others. One of the most significant developments has been honing my communication with both coaches and players. On the pitch, players have every right to ask why they are being penalised. In those high-pressure moments, I must stay calm, recall specific incidents instantly, and rationalise my decisions confidently.

This role has also taught me a great deal about conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. Whether it is diffusing a scuffle between arch-rivals by managing team captains or ensuring player safety by watching for concussions, I am constantly practising leadership. It is a massive shift from seeking personal glory to serving the game, ensuring the sport in Singapore remains alive and continues to grow.

A Note to the Community

For anyone considering a career in officiating, my advice is to embrace it as a unique vehicle for character building. It empowers you to hone a specialised level of communication, as you must learn to command respect and offer clarity to everyone from elite athletes to high-level coaches in high-pressure moments. Beyond personal development, refereeing is one of the most impactful ways to give back to the game and ensure the sport continues to thrive in Singapore. If you are ready to challenge yourself to take up the craft with a resolute mindset, then take that leap of faith, pick up the whistle, and discover a side of the sport you never knew existed.