SUPER BEACH 5’S RUGBY is always working to break new ground, particularly in the field of refereeing talent. THE LIGNANO INTERNATIONAL CUP is about creating the best possible experience for Players and Fans alike. To ensure fast exciting rugby and fair play for all, our challenge is always to seek out the best officials, those referees who have proven themselves at the highest level in the sport. And what a Panel we have lined up for SB5 2015.
Taking part in “MASTEREF SB5 2015” will be:
- Dave Drury – WRU [Welsh Rugby Union, Wales]
- Marius Mitrea – FIR / Cnar [Federazione Italiana Rugby]
- Gregorio Piran – FIR / Cnar [Federazione Italiana Rugby]
- Barbara Guastini – FIR /Cnar [Federazione Italiana Rugby]
- SoYung De Baere – FBRB [Belgian Rugby Federeation]
Dave Drury (WRU – Wales):
What more can we say about the legend that is Mr. Drury? Affiliated to the Welsh Rugby Union, Dave commenced his refereeing career in 1995. A member of the RFU’s Referee Panel from 2002 – 2005, since 2005 he became a member of the WRU Referee Panel. A keen follower of Rugby 7’s & 10’s formats, Dave has regularly officiated at the Amsterdam 7’s, Kinsale 7’s, Barcelona 7’s and Leiden 10’s, Tarvisio Snow 5s. In the world of Super Beach 5’s Rugby, such is his commitment to SB5’s and The Lignano International Cup that this year Dave will be winning his 15th consecutive SB5 Cap. No-one else comes anywhere close. Welcome home Dave, put the feet up and enjoy a nice cuppa…iced tea !
Marius Mitrea (FIR / Cnar – Italia & World Rugby):
Today Marius is recognised as one of Europe’s and the worlds leading rugby officials. Indeed following his appearance at Lignano this summer, Marius will take a short break before preparing to join the official referee panel for the forthcoming RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 in England, where he is one of the 7 AR’s (assistant referees) appointed for Rugby’s biggest occasion. His refereeing career commenced in 2007 and quickly progressed to the international stage in 2009. As a member of the FIR Cnar Elite Referee Panel he is now seen in regular action all around the globe, officiating both as Referee and AR at full International Test level including 6 Nations, European Professional Club Rugby, Top 14 France, Guinness Pro 12 and in the Italian Eccellenza and Serie A leagues. Only the best for our SB52015 squads. This will be Marius’s 3rd visit to Lignano. It’s a return we very much look forward to. Welcome back Marius.
Gregorio Piran (F.I.R / Cnar – Italia & World Rugby):
From the Class of ’92, and making his first appearance at SB5 Lignano, we’re delighted to welcome Gregorio Piran. As World Rugby’s appointed referee for SB5 2015, in the last 2 years Gregorio is steadily working his way through the levels. Currently in the third and final tier of the Italian Referee Academy, he is now regularly involved officiating in Italy’s Eccellenza and Serie A leagues. In the current season he has also gained valuable experience as AR, 4th and 5th, in European Champions Cup and Guinness Pro12. No stranger to the Beach, he has refereed at many Beach 5’s tournaments in the Italian national championship together with EBRA legs in Bibione and Marseille. Having just returned from the European U19 Sevens in Vichy France, we look forward to welcoming Gregorio to the SB5 family.
Barbara Guastini (F.I.R / Cnar – Italia):
As one of Italy’s top women referees, in the last 5 years Barbara Guastini has become a regular face in International rugby refereeing circles having officiated during numerous Rugby Europe Sevens tournaments including the Gran Prix Series and the recent Rio2016 Olympic SEVENS qualifying tournament in Zagreb. She has also become a recognised face in Women’s 6 Nations rugby, officiating regularly during the last 2 seasons as touch judge. On the Beach, Barbara has also taken charge in the various legs of the Italian National Beach 5s championship. We’re delighted she’s available to join the SB5 2015 panel and look forward to welcoming her to the family. (Foto: Elena Barbini)
SoYung De Baere (F.B.R.B – Belgium):
A former Belgian international player, playing both 15s and 7s, in 2008 SoYung retired from playing to focus on her refereeing career in the Belgian national leagues. This soon developed into international duty with Rugby Europe Womens Sevens where she has already officiated as AR at two WORLD SERIES tournaments. Indeed Rugby SEVENS and Beach Rugby tournaments are becoming a speciality for SoYung with regular trips to Flanders 7s, Nivelle 7s, Brussels 7s, Scandinavia 7s and Beach Rugby tournaments like the Flemish Open Beach and Ameland Beach Rugby. Together with Barbara, SoYung will make SB5 history as they become the first two women referees to officiate at the home of International Super Beach 5s. Welcome to the SB5 family SoYung.
We wish our SB5 2015 MasterREF panel all the best.
15° Lignano International Cup
18-19 July Lignano Beach Arena
Lignano Sabbiadoro, Friuli Venezia Giulia. Italy.
The Spiritual Home of International Super Beach 5’s Rugby.
