Kerry Fitzgerald

Kerry Fitzgerald
Full name Kerry Victor Joseph
Date of birth 1948
Date of death 18 December 1991 (aged 43)
Refereeing career
Years Competition Apps
1987
1984
Rugby World Cup
Test Matches

Kerry Victor Joseph Fitzgerald (c. 1948 – 18 December 1991) was an Australian rugby union referee best known for officiating in the 1987 Rugby World Cup Final.

Refereeing career

Fitzgerald took up refereeing in 1977, making his international debut in 1984 in a match between New Zealand and Fiji in Suva.[1]

For the first Rugby World Cup in 1987 he was one of two Australian referees selected. Fitzgerald created controversy during a semifinal between New Zealand and Wales when he sent off Welsh player Huw Richards after he had been knocked unconscious. He went on to referee the World Cup Final.[1]

Death

Fitzgerald collapsed and died in his office on 18 December 1991.[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Joubert joins exclusive club". SA Rugby Referees. 20 October 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  2. "Fitzgerald dies". New Strait Times. 19 December 1991. Retrieved 27 October 2011.