Ken Brackston - A Message from the Chair

As Chair of the Cardiff Referees Society, like everyone else, I was so saddened to hear the news of Ken’s passing. He’s been a constant presence around the game since long before I started refereeing 25 years ago. His contributions at society meetings have been invaluable to new and experienced referees alike and his encouraging manner has had a positive impact on the careers of so many of us.

His ability to bring the game to life using an OHP has been mentioned by so many people and his willingness to step in and present a training topic at short notice helped in many a meeting. Always challenging us to think about the game and improve our standards, his passing will leave a huge gap in our society and across the whole of Welsh rugby. Condolences to all of his family and friends.

RIP Ken

Ian Buckland

On behalf of the Welsh Society of Rugby Union Referees

The refereeing community is deeply saddened at the loss of Ken Brackston. Our thoughts are with Ken's family at this difficult time. As a referee, a mentor, and a teacher he touched countless lives and gave us a better understanding of our game. Fiercely committed to high standards, a great tourist, and always encouraging and gentle with his humour, Ken was a rugby man to his core. We will miss his decades of experience, his overhead projector, and his fellowship for every one of us, young and old. Many of us will have had the experience of walking with Ken into any rugby club in Wales to have somebody come up to us and say “Afternoon, Mr Brackston.” Rugby is the poorer for his loss, and all of us in the refereeing community and the wider game are immeasurably richer for having known him.

Tom Griffin (previous Chair)