South African and Free State rugby referee Jaco Peyper wrote his piece of history for the country similarly to the conquering Springboks at this just-ended 2023 Rugby World Cup men’s tournament in France.
The respected whistle-man officiated the opening fixture between hosts France and New Zealand at the Stade de France on 8 September.
New Zealand’s All Blacks lost 13 – 27 to the hosting nation.
In hindsight, it seems like the Bloemfontein-born paved the way for the Boks to conquer their arch-rivals, the All Blacks, who narrowly lost 11 – 12 to the Bomb Squad, as the Springboks team is nicknamed, in the final of the tournament.
Peyper walked off the pitch distraught after suffering a calf injury during the quarter-final fixture between Wales and Argentina.
“The exposure was at another level; incredible attention with the social media. The injury was obviously disappointing, as I did not plan for it to happen. But in the end, did not mean much suffering in terms of my role at the world cup.
“The ultimate is the Springboks’ win. They made the country proud winning the trophy.
“When the Springboks win, it means a lot for the country and everyone in the country, and I am delighted too,” said Peyper, who landed in his home town of Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 31 October, after flying back from France.
Peyper officiated his third world cup at this year’s tournament. He had previously taken charge of matches in the 2015 and 2019 tournaments.
Peyper made his refereeing debut in Super Rugby in 2008, but took charge of his first test match in 2011.
Jaco Peyper warmly welcomed back home in Bloemfontein by family, Zenobia,wife and daughters, Nina and Lee
He continues rising to greater heights as he was in the men’s team that was tasked with officiating at this year’s world cup in France.
