Wales Rugby League have named their match officials for Saturday’s representative matches at Stebonheath Park in Llanelli.
Taking charge of the Wales v England Community Lions U16 international (kick-off 2pm) is Kristoff Young, with Mason Apsee and Craig Davies running the lines. Reserve official is Rob Apsee and Chris Williams is interchange official.
For the West Wales v East Wales U14 match, Jonathan Palmer will referee, with Chris Williams and Ieuan Griffiths running the line.
For 16-year old Mason Apsee, it means that he will now have involvement in the Wales v England match. He trialled for the Wales side but didn’t make the cut and as he’s also a qualified match official, his choices for recognition are doubled!
Mason, who took to the field last week as a player for Aber Valley Wolves men in the South Wales Nines, said: “I am very happy that I have been appointed to be a touch judge for the Wales match.
“I have been playing rugby league for about four years with Aber Valley Wolves and I love the sport. I attended the origins sessions this season and this has been fantastic and also then attended the U16s international trials. Unfortunately, I fell just short of making the final cut so it was really good to hear that I could still be involved in the matches and also still get cap – a match officials’ one not a playing – but hopefully one day I may get the other one.
“Players need to know that there are other pathways available with Wales Rugby League, and who knows what the future holds for myself playing or match official it’s good to have these options.”
Wales Rugby League are running an online match officials training course on Wednesday 8 June. To get involved, free of charge, please email james.jones@walesrugbyleague.co.uk.
Jones says: “We’re now in a position where we can appoint all match officials for a double header like tomorrow’s event. In the past, the RFL in England has appointed them, however with the success of our referee development we now are able to appoint our own full team for both games.
“However, with other match officials being appointed by the RFL to semi-pro matches in England, plus others on holiday on this bank holiday weekend, we’ve had to postpone the start of the WRL men’s league season.
“So we realise that, despite having a large database of match officials, we need to grow again, and we need people like Mason, who plays and referees, to train up as a match official.
“I’m really proud of how our team are developing and being recognised by external organisations. We have come a long way in two years and now we have even more opportunities to grow.”