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Brothers Antony and Todd Petrie have both landed jobs at Counties Manukau Rugby Union, both following in the footsteps of their father, Kerry.

Todd, 22, joined Counties Rugby in February as a Rugby Development Officer. He visits Primary Schools throughout the province teaching rugby skills and educating children about the sport.

He’s played rugby since he was five, playing two years of 1^st XV at Rosehill College before playing club at Bombay for four seasons. He now suits up for the Ardmore Marist Premier side. Todd has also played Counties Rep rugby, starting with Under 18’s. He’s played for the Under 20’s, Counties B’s and Counties Cavaliers.

“To be able to work in rugby is pretty special and I am very grateful to be part of such a great team at Counties Manukau Rugby. Watching students enjoying the game that I have a huge passion for is so rewarding. We have a lot of talent in our province and I’d like to think that I am teaching some of our future stars.”

The boy’s father, Kerry ‘KP’ Petrie was the Referee Education Officer for 12 years at Counties and Thames Valley. He came up with many initiatives, including the ‘You Make The Call’ Secondary Course and the referee quad system which allows referees to work on their refereeing positioning. Both have been implemented New Zealand wide.

Antony, 28, has literally followed in his Dad’s footsteps, and he is now the new Referee Education Officer at the Union.

He’s been refereeing for 13 years, picking up the whistle when he was 15. He officiated his first Premier game when he was 19. Antony moved into Auckland for two years, but he is back refereeing and working at Counties full time. He’s been in charge of 90 Premier Games and he used to be in the New Zealand Referee Academy.

“I love working for Counties because it is my home union. To have the opportunity to be part of the culture of Counties and to give back to refereeing is satisfying.”