SAREFS Academy

SARefs Academy is a rugby referee development institution based in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Working together with Maties Rugby Club, the academy supports aspiring referees through a holistic approach that combines practical match experience with access to high-performance training facilities. Its programme is designed specifically for referees and aims to help participants develop their skills in real rugby environments rather than relying on classroom or laboratory learning alone.

Academy opportunities include access to up to 26 hostel games per week, as well as Western Province League and school matches on weekends. Participants can also use the University’s gymnasium and vision laboratory as part of their development. This combination of regular officiating experience, specialist facilities and a referee-focused curriculum distinguishes the academy’s offering.

SARefs Academy shares information about referees who have benefited from its programme and provides contact details for enquiries. It is located at 1 Krige Street in Stellenbosch. The academy can be reached by phone at 072 128 1187 or by email at [email protected].