World Rugby sings Peyper’s praises: ‘One of the greats’

Beaumont, the World Rugby South chairman, only had good things to day about Peyper after the South African referee has announced his retirement on Friday.

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The 43-year-old Peyper refereed the last of his 67 Tests – third most by a South African match official behind Jonathan Kaplan and Craig Joubert – at last year’s Rugby World Cup. He was involved in three RWC tournaments, and handled numerous playoffs at Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, Investec Champions Cup and Currie Cup level.

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Peyper, who is the sixth most-capped Test referee in history, was in charge in nine finals – five Currie Cup, three Super Rugby and one Champions Cup – as well as two RWC quarter-finals. He also refereed numerous matches in the Six Nations and Castle Lager Rugby Championship, as well as one Test between the All Blacks and the British & Irish Lions in 2017.

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WORLD RUGBY LAUDS FANTASTIC PEYPER

Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Jaco has been a fantastic ambassador for rugby, a role model for aspiring referees and will be remembered as one of the greats of international and club refereeing.  

“But above all the accolades, he is a great person. He cares deeply about the game and championing his fellow match officials. He has played a huge role in the development of burgeoning international referees and is a calm, assured presence within a great team.  

“It takes a special type of person to be at the top of their game in the most challenging of arenas, and Jaco has done that superbly. In short, he is a credit to rugby, his nation and his family, and I wish him all the best as he begins a new and exciting chapter.” 

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