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Ray, who turned 92 on Thursday, refereed 21
international matches and was the man in charge
of the whistle when the Barbarians last played at
Ravenhill back in 1957.
Upon Ray’s retirement as an International Referee
he was honoured by the Ulster Society of Rugby
Football Referees for his outstanding service
to rugby football and to the art of refereeing
(pictured below alongside Harry McKibbin, IRFU
President, receiving a plaque and a silver whistle).
In 2005, the IRFU honoured its past and present
referees who officiated at the highest levels of
the game. A special cap presentation ceremony
took place in Dublin, where those referees
who officiated at senior international level each
received commemorative caps for their services
to the game. Notable mention was made that
“Ray Williams, first capped in 1957, refereed at
test level until 1964, including three tests on the
Wilson Whineray led New Zealand tour to the
Northern Hemisphere.”
Other notable tributes recorded include:
KINGSPAN STADIUM TOUR
FOR RAY WILLIAMS
We had a very special visitor this week when esteemed former referee Ray
Williams received a tour of The Nevin Spence Centre and Kingspan Stadium.
Minutes of the IRFU Report of the Committee
1963-64:
“It is sad to learn that Mr R.C. Williams, who
has refereed more international matches than
any other referee in the history of the game,
but who has still many active years in front of
him, has decided to retire from representative
engagements. Your committee have recorded
their appreciation of Mr Williams’ conduct as an
international referee and their pleasure that he
has earned so much praise from other countries.”
Letter written to Ray Williams in 2012 from Sir
Wilson Whineray, one of the greatest captains of
the All Blacks:
“The 1963/64 tour is regarded in New Zealand
(and the UK I hope) as the last of the ‘great tours’
- over 35 games and 4 months away. We would
like to include you in our group of ‘good guys’ -
neutral, fun and fair.”
Article by Ernest Strathdee in Ulster Illustrated in
1958:
“The greatest rugby referee of our time.”
RAY WILLIAMS