Community Profile - CRRA’s Burt Powell

An integral part of the refereeing team at the Metro Premier Final was 92 year-old Burt Powell, who, alongside Jonty Gallagher, performed the role of sub controller last Sunday.

Burt has been an active referee since 1959, resulting in 63 years of service to the game. A life member of the Canterbury Rugby Referees Association since 1994, Burt has served across all aspects of the association, from his time as a first class referee, coach and more recently in his role on the sideline between the two benches. 

Still as keen as ever, Burt continues to play a vital role in our community game, and remains an inspiration to all of us involved in community rugby.  

Alongside his rugby, Burt still regularly plays golf, only just moving into a cart.  

It is people like Burt that make our grassroots game possible and now is as good a time as ever to thank him for his many years of service.