South African Rugby and World Rugby have paid tribute to referee Jaco Peyper, who has hung up his whistle after over a decade in the middle.

The 43-year-old officiated at three Rugby World Cups, including the most recent tournament in France, but sustained an Achilles injury.

The South African was set to officiate the match between Italy and Scotland during this year’s Six Nations but has instead decided to bring his officiating career to an end.

Peyper officiated 67 Test matches between 2011 and 2023, the last of which being the World Cup quarter-final between Wales and Argentina, which he was unable to complete due to his injury.

He ends his career as the sixth most capped Test referee in history and third most by a South African, behind Jonathan Kaplan and Craig Joubert.

“Apart from progressing to be one of the best referees in the world during his 17-year first-class career, Jaco has also been a great ambassador for South Africa and a role model for aspiring young match officials,” president of SA Rugby Mark Alexander said.

“His cool, calm and collected conduct has been a standout characteristic throughout his career, while Jaco was also clear and consistent in the way in which he has applied the laws, allowing players to them to express themselves on the field.

“We’ve had some outstanding referees since the game turned professional, and Jaco can be regarded as one of the best. We understand his reasoning for wanting to retire as referee and although it’s a sad day, we look back at it with fond memories. We would like to wish him and his family the very best for the next chapter.”

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont added: “Jaco has been a fantastic ambassador for rugby, a role model for aspiring referees and will be remembered as one of the greats of international and club refereeing.

“But above all the accolades, he is a great person. He cares deeply about the game and championing his fellow match officials. He has played a huge role in the development of burgeoning international referees and is a calm, assured presence within a great team.

Source: Planet Rugby