Paul Rees talks to Chris White about the specialist programme which has trained some of the top refs in world rugby

Chris White refereed in three World Cups and he will have an impact on this year’s tournament in France with two products of his officiating scholarship at the University of Gloucestershire, Matthew Carley and Christophe Ridley, last month named in the 19 match-day officials for rugby’s top event.
Carley was the first of White’s scholars in a programme which began in 2004. It started by accident after White went on a reconnaissance mission to the university for his rugby club,...