Wellingborough rugby referee to retire aged 90 after more than 40 years on the pitch

The 90-year-old referee moved to the UK from Italy in 1964 and first came across rugby after his son started playing the sport at school before getting involved in refereeing in 1982.

Ferdinando of Wellingborough said: “I was watching his games and I started to take an interest in rugby.

“One day they had a home game, my son was injured and they needed a referee so I said I would step in.

“When I started, I had no knowledge at all; I had no idea what things like hooker, flanker or prop meant.

“I started to buy books and read as much as I could, and I just carried on.”

As a self-employed hairdresser, Ferdinando was able to referee on his own schedule and would sometimes officiate as many as five games in a single week.

As well as holding the whistle on the pitch, he supported Italy as they joined the Six Nations, working as a liaison officer to facilitate their entrance into the tournament.

Despite his late introduction to rugby, Ferdinando has filled his years with plenty of refereeing and has fully embraced the sport.

He said: “I found that rugby has a lot of friendship, enjoyment, honesty. I have enjoyed every minute, and I wish I had started when I was younger.

“This sport is made for friendship, enjoyment and loyalty, everything is there. My club Wellingborough is like a family and that is why rugby is very important for young people.”

After refereeing thousands of games, Ferdinando celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this month (February) and has now hung up his whistle following his last match on February 20 when Wellingborough took on East Northants Selection.

But he’ll still be involved in the game as Ferdinando plans to use his experience to support the next generation of rugby referees.

He said: “I will still be involved in the club. On a Sunday morning the kids need a referee, if I can have a younger referee stepping in, I can help teach them.”