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Published: Wednesday, 21st May, 2008 12:00

There are chances to see the world - I have been in America, Italy, Dublin and Cardiff

By Atholl Innes

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Andrew McMenemy in action at the recent Jed-Forest Sevens

AT 24 years of age, Andrew McMenemy has been on a whistle-stop tour of the world.

The Gala-based referee has taken charge of games around the world.

But at the end of this month, the top sides will come to him after he was appointed as one of the officials for the IRB World Sevens at Murrayfield.

Andrew, who was ‘not enjoying his rugby’ (as a player), decided to take up the whistle – and he has never looked back.

One season with Gala YM failed to whet his appetite as a player; so Andrew hung up his boots and took up the whistle.

And he has set an example that others might follow as the Borders Referees’ Society look for more officials – referees and touch judges.

“There is a great opportunity now for referees,” said the Borders Referees’ Development Officer, Iain Heard

Andrew told me; “There are chances to see the world. I have been in America, Italy, Dublin, Cardiff.” – and no doubt more will follow.

“You get to see parts of the world that you would never see otherwise. Every game is a learning curve for you will always take something out of each match.”

And the training is similar to that of the players. “I do two sessions a week, cardio and drill work etc. It is no easy ‘ride’, but you only get out of it what you put into it.”

Now Andrew is looking forward to the IRB Sevens, but before that he will have just a ‘wee’ rest. “It will let the body recover from a hard season and then I will be ready to go again.

“This (IRB Sevens) will be a massive experience and a big step-up – and I am looking forward to it.”

The world’s top sides, led by holders New Zealand, will converge on Murrayfield and Andrew will mix with some of the greatest players.

He will know his ‘first’ matches this Friday for the tournament the following weekend.

Then he is off to the under-20 World Cup in June.

Just no rest for the referees in today’s hectic world of rugby.

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