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André Watson

André Watson
Full name André Jacobus Watson
Date of birth (1958-04-24) 24 April 1958 (age 58)
Place of birth Germiston, South Africa
School Maria van Riebeeck Primary
Goudrif High School
University Stellenbosch University
University of the Witwatersrand
Spouse Antionette
Occupation(s) Civil engineer
Rugby union career
Current status
Position(s) Referee
Playing career
Position Fly half
Amateur clubs
Years Club / team    
  Stellenbosch University
University of the Witwatersrand
Provincial/State sides
Years Club / team Apps (points)
  Transvaal Schools XV
Refereeing career
Years Competition   Apps
2004

1996–2004
Currie Cup
Super Rugby
Tests
100

28
Amateur clubs
Years Club / team    
  Stellenbosch University
University of the Witwatersrand
Provincial/State sides
Years Club / team Apps (points)
  Transvaal Schools XV
Refereeing career
Years Competition   Apps
2004

1996–2004
Currie Cup
Super Rugby
Tests
100

28

André Jacobus Watson (born 24 April 1958) is a South African former rugby union referee. He officiated a record number of finals in the Rugby World Cup (two), the Currie Cup (seven) and Super Rugby (five).

Watson was born in Germiston, Transvaal and attended school at Maria van Riebeeck Primary and Goudrif High School. He later attended Stellenbosch University and the University of the Witwatersrand before working as an engineer.

As a youth Watson played representative rugby for Transvaal Schools XV. While studying at university he played for Stellenbosch University and the University of the Witwatersrand.

He took up refereeing in 1987, becoming a full-time referee in 1995.

During his career he refereed 100 Currie Cup matches including seven cup finals which, as of 2010, is the most by a referee.

Watson refereed five Super Rugby finals which is, as of 2011, a record.

He made his international debut in 1996 in a match between Australia and Canada. Watson refereed the first of two Rugby World Cup finals when he took charge of the 1999 Rugby World Cup Final between Australia and France in Cardiff.

His second World Cup final was the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final between Australia and England in Sydney. He remains the only referee to have officiated in two finals.

He announced his retirement prior to the July 2004 match between Australia and the Pacific Islanders. He made a comeback three months later, refereeing the first match of the qualification round for 2007 Rugby World Cup between Andorra and Norway.


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