SA Rugby has paid tribute to legendary former referee Paul Dobson, who passed away at the age of 84 on Monday.

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In a life devoted to rugby, not just as a referee, but also as a schools coach and writer, Dobson – whose son John is head coach of the Stormers – made an exceptional contribution to the game in South Africa since taking the whistle of his first match in 1955.

‘We mourn the passing of a great man of South African rugby: referee, author, historian, mentor, friend to all, Paul Dobson, a legend in the global refereeing community,’ SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said.

‘Paul was recognised for his services to the game by World Rugby in 2012 and was the fount of all knowledge on SA Rugby history in all communities.

‘Rugby has lost a giant.

“Paul’s contribution to the game was extraordinary, and he never lost his passion for it, or his joy in its small and great moments, its past legends and its modern heroes. Rugby is much poorer today and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, other family, friends and colleagues in this very sad time.’

The tragic news came on the same day that the rugby fraternity bid farewell to iconic broadcaster Kaunda Ntunja.

ALSO READ: Tribute to Ntunja, a ‘true rugby pioneer’

Photo: Gallo Images