Rugby: Young ref Amon on fast track to big time

Amon Rimene (right) has made the step up to refereeing premier rugby this season. Photo/George Novak

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union's newest, and youngest, premier referee is heading for duty at Super Rugby level as an 18-year-old.

Amon Rimene, who made his premier rugby debut with the whistle in Greerton Marist's 30-13 defeat of Opotiki on Saturday, will be the referee's assistant for the match between the struggling defending Super Rugby champion Chiefs and the Lions of South Africa.

"I'm in the changing rooms and sussing out what he wants," the affable youngster said.

"When he needs a drink, I'll run it out to him."

Rimene, a former prefect of kaupapa Maori at Mount Maunganui College, took up the whistle at the suggestion of Steamers and Highlanders prop Kane Hames - then Bay of Plenty Rugby Union rugby development officer - five years ago.

Since, he has reffed more than 600 touch and rugby games, culminating in a fairly uneventful premier debut that still has him buzzing.

"It took me 10-15 minutes to really get into the flow.

"It was obviously faster, but I think the offseason training prepared me well - that was a positive I guess.

"The fans didn't really yell anything, it was quite surprising. There were no issues really."

Developing quickly under the guidance of referee coach John Donnelly, Rimene believes in forming an opinion of a side on the day he officiates them.

"I personally think it's how you go into a game as a ref - you can't take any preconceived ideas in or else that's all you're going to focus on."