Coleg Llandrillo student selected as an Assistant Referee for Six Nations Rugby Game
From battling injury to standing centre pitch at the Principality Stadium, life took a different turn for one student when he could no longer play the game he loved.
Level 3 Sports Science student, George Clemence realised a childhood dream recently when he was selected to be an Assistant Referee for the Six Nations Wales V France game in the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday 15 February, through his participation in the college’s WRU Referee Programme.
“I never thought that I would ever be standing in the middle of the pitch at a Six Nation’s game listening to both anthems, and watching people like Dewi Lake sing their hearts out,” said George. “It was an incredible experience.”
George’s journey to refereeing at this level has been one of determination and keeping going when life takes you in a different direction. A talented Rugby player for Colwyn Bay, George suffered an injury to his shoulder almost two years ago that meant he was unable to carry on playing.
“I’d never come away from the game completely,” said George. “I took a breath and thought what can I realistically do to keep involved.”
The answer was refereeing. Whilst playing, George was always keen on learning as much as he could about the sport he loved. He’d take note of the referees and listen to them.
“I think it really helped me understand the game a lot more and had an impact on the way I referee now,“ he added.
George started with refereeing his younger brother’s games, the under 11s teams. This got George noticed and he was put forward for other opportunities, such as Rygbi Gogledd Cymru cup matches.
At college, George got involved with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s WRU Referee Programme, run by Ollie Coles, GLLM Active Wellbeing & Rugby Referee. The programme, a partnership with the Rugby Union, helped him grow as a referee and also gain a recognised Level 2 qualification.
“Ollie got me into doing Level 2 and refereeing youth games and college development games, and it’s been onwards and upwards from there,” said George. “The amount of support I’ve had is unreal,” he added.
This is George’s first full season as a referee and he’s got more games coming up where he’ll be honing his skills and gaining more experience. George will also be undergoing surgery on his shoulder in the coming months and plans to work as hard as he can to be able to play again.
“I think as much as I enjoy refereeing, I don't think I'd be where I am now if it wasn't for playing rugby. So, I'm going to try and play one more game or even or as many as I can, and then see how far refereeing takes me,” said George.
Hoping to complete his Level 3 qualification in refereeing in the future, George is in no rush for the moment. “I’m young,” he said. “I’m here to enjoy the experience, enjoy every game that I referee and just make sure I have a smile on my face and have a lot of fun.”
George’s story is also a great success for the Grŵp’s partnership with the Rugby Union. Without this, George wouldn’t have received the support that he did. We hope that this is the first of many success stories for the partnership as it strives to help more students on their journey to becoming referees.
Ollie Coles, GLLM Active Wellbeing & Rugby Referee, said: ''George's achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication he has shown to our WRU Referee Programme at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. George has made full use of the support available within college and also in the wider community thanks to our partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union to develop and excel as a Young Match Official. The appointment to the Six Nations match is only the beginning of what I am sure will be a fantastic career for George representing North Wales as a match official.''
Well done, George for all you’ve achieved so far and we wish you all the best for your future in Rugby!
To see the range of sports courses Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers for both school leavers and adults, visit: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/courses/sport-and-outdoor-education