Pulver backs McCabe as referee

Editor

Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulmer has urged retired Wallaby back Pat McCabe to consider becoming a referee.

Australian Rugby Union (ARU) boss Bill Pulmer has urged retired Wallaby and Brumbies player Pat McCabe to consider becoming a rugby referee.

The 26-year-old, who broke his neck three times in two years, called time on his rugby career in August following five seasons of Super Rugby.

He is now set to join the Brumbies' off-field team but ARU chief Pulmer, a fan of McCabe as a man, believes he should consider taking the whistle.

“The game has always loved Pat McCabe because his values and behaviours are very closely aligned with the game. He's a terrific guy,” Pulver explained to the Canberra Times.

“Behind closed doors there have been some conversations…imagine if Pat took up refereeing. I'm delighted he'll be involved and we'd love to keep him in the game.”

He added: “I wrote to Pat and congratulated him on a phenomenal career. It was disappointing for his career to end that way, but the kid had already bounced back [from two broken necks] so he should be incredibly proud of what he achieved.”