Wales Rugby League congratulates Kristoff Young after he refereed his first senior men’s international on Saturday, taking charge of Wales’ 44-12 victory over the USA at The Wern in Merthyr Tydfil.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in Young’s refereeing career, following years of progression through junior, domestic and international rugby league.
James Jones, head of match officials in Wales, was delighted to see Young reach this stage of his development.
Jones said: “I’m really pleased for Kristoff. I know how much work goes into getting to this level, so to see him referee his first senior men’s international is a proud moment for him and for everyone who has supported him along the way.
“It’s always great to see our Welsh officials getting these opportunities, and Kristoff has earned his chance. Hopefully, he’ll look back on Saturday as the start of many more international appointments. I’m delighted for him, and I hope he takes a lot of confidence from the experience.”
Young’s refereeing journey stretches back to 2018, when he took charge of Junior Origin fixtures. The following year, he was refereeing international age-grade rugby league, taking charge of Wales U19s against Ireland in May 2019.
He continued to gain experience across the Welsh game, officiating at junior and senior domestic level, as well as progressing through representative fixtures.
In 2021, Young was appointed as a touch judge for Wales U16s against England Lions. A year later, he refereed the same fixture.
In January 2022, he refereed Bridgend Blue Bulls against the Royal Navy in the Challenge Cup. He has since officiated across a range of competitions, including student internationals and matches involving Wales’ age-grade sides.
In 2023, he was then appointed as referee in a senior international match for the first time when he refereed England v France in a women’s international; then in 2024, he was a touch judge in women’s and men’s internationals back home in Wales.
Young said: “It was a proud moment for me, and I loved every minute of the occasion.
“This is something I could only have dreamt of achieving when I first started my officiating journey, so to be now able to say I’ve reached this milestone means so much to me.
“It was fantastic to share this special occasion with my fellow Welsh Match Officials colleagues, making the experience even more memorable.”
