International Rugby ref speaks in March

Northumberland Society ref Dave Pearson has an old job to thank for his decision to take up the whistle. Time spent abroad whilst working for Proctor and Gamble as a Chemical Engineer left Pearson unable to train regularly with his club Seghill. So when a youth team needed someone to take charge, he stepped forward and says he never looked back.

That was back in 1992 and since then he has joined the RFU National Panel (1997) and refereed his first full Premiership match when he took control of NEC Harlequins v London Irish in 2000, having previously stepped in for Brian Campsall during Rotherham’s match against Sale.

Since going full time in 2002 he has gone on to referee seven internationals, the first being in April 2005 between Argentina and Japan. One of his career highlights came from the shortened game, at the 2003 Hong Kong Sevens. His Six Nations debut followed, in February 2006 and later that year he went on to take charge of his first ever Premiership Final.

An accomplished golfer, he plays off a handicap of seven and also enjoys cooking for wife Paulene.

Tags: Guest Speaker, Dave Pearson