Rugby: Player, referee dies

Ash Edwards, an Auckland representative rugby forward in 30 matches in 1966-72 and later a leading referee, died in Auckland on Thursday, aged 65, after a long illness.

A flanker from the North Shore club, Edwards appeared for Auckland against the 1971 Lions and later that season was in the side that took the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury.

A policeman who rose to the rank of inspector, Edwards also played for Combined Services. As a referee he reached first-class status, controlling Ranfurly Shield matches.