Referee blows whistle on career

It was appropriate that Baden Whale’s last official rugby refereeing appointment should come on the back field at Wairarapa College.

The sprightly 77-year-old called it a day after the Wairarapa College Blue v Rathkeale under-15 match on Saturday, bringing to an end a 54-year refereeing career, which started on that very same back field in 1961.

“I remember Wairarapa College was one of the teams back then but I am not sure who they were playing … it’s a long time ago,” Whale said.

“It’s been a lot of fun and enjoyment, that’s for sure.”

Whale said his decision to retire from “official” refereeing came through a mix of family circumstances and the fact an influx of new referees and a decrease in the number of secondary school morning games meant his services were not required to the extent they once were.

“It’s not the body which is giving up … it just seemed like a good time to pull the plug,” he said.

By Gary Caffell – WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE