Craig Joubert and Marius Jonker are two of the top referees in the world, both involved in the Six nations recently and both involved in the Super 14 now. In this Q&A Craig asks questions of Marius.

Craig Joubert: We grew up in the same place, little old Pietermaritzburg. Tell us about your school days?

Marius Jonker: I know you don't believe this but I did go to school. Pelham Primary and Gert Maritz.

Craig Joubert: You were head boy of Gert Maritz?

Marius Jonker: I was indeed. They ran out of candidates.

Craig Joubert: Tell us about the Monday night touch with the refs when you were still a schoolboy?

Marius Jonker: Best time of my life. I was only 12 years of age when this all started. We used to play on Monday and Wednesday evenings as well as Sunday afternoons. I would finish sport at school and head straight to Woodburn Stadium to play ball with the likes of your dad Des, Ian Wedderburn, Roger Hay, Mark Howard-Brown and the one and only Ian Cairns to mention a few. Growing up under the eyes of these boys I soon realised that referees were unique creatures. A real privilege to have had this as part of my upbringing.
 
Craig Joubert: You're a bit of a cart-horse. Did you used to play with all the old refs because they were the only okes you were faster than?

Marius Jonker: Had to boost my ego somehow, tjom.

Craig Joubert: Even though I was only seven can you remember me running round you?

Marius Jonker: I remember this quite well. I also know that you have been trying to repeat it ever since without success, hey?

Craig Joubert: You had a long career at flyhalf?

Marius Jonker: I was a flyhalf. Played first division in Natal and later on for North Coast Rhinos (Empangeni) and Richards Bay.

Craig Joubert: Ever get sent off?

Marius Jonker: Once, by your dad, Des. We were playing against Alexandra High in Pietermaritzburg. I ended up in a bit of a brawl and your dad had had enough. Talking to him at touch that afternoon was pretty difficult.

Craig Joubert: How did you end up in Richards Bay. By the way, where is Richards bay?

Marius Jonker: Richards Bay is  about 200 km north of Durban. I use to be in the South African Police service and investigations led me to Richards Bay. I started working for a company called Bell Equipment in Richards Bay in 1995 and I am still with them.

Craig Joubert: And how'd you meet Bokkie (Belinda)?

Marius Jonker: Saw her the first time at an ice cream parlour in Richards Bay. Then at rugby in Richards Bay a couple of days later. I then started to kick the balls (that is the rugby balls, Joubs!) in her direction just to get to meet her and the rest is history.

Craig Joubert: Tell us about your family, kids?

Marius Jonker: Married to Belinda and we have two kids. Rynhardt is eight years old, an avid sportsman with rugby the obvious favourite. Brenda is three years old, and I anticipate that we could be in for lots of trouble in years to come with this lass.

Craig Joubert: What was your first big breakthrough into refereeing?

Marius Jonker: I was spotted by Philip Botha, whom I still regard as one of the best referee coaches around. He had a lot to do with the start of my career in 2000. My first breakthrough was the Country Districts Week in Nelspruit and the Craven Week in 2001. Then the World Under-19 and Under-21 tournaments after that.

Craig Joubert: How many Test matches, Super 14 games have you done?

Marius Jonker: 15 Tests and 18 Super 14.

Craig Joubert: Favourite game refereed?

Marius Jonker: Wales vs France at Millennium Stadium and Australia vs New Zealand in Melbourne.

Craig Joubert: How do you like to spend your time when you're overseas?

Marius Jonker: It all depends whom you travel with. Playing golf and tennis and doing a bit of sightseeing and blending it in with a fitness session is what I do when I am travelling with the likes of yourself. When I am travelling with Jonathan Kaplan it is a matter of waiting for the unexpected to happen and trust me it does happen!

Craig Joubert: Who's the toughest SA Referee (past or present) to beat on the golf course?

Marius Jonker: It would have been easier to ask me who the easiest was, because the answer would be Craig Joubert! No seriously, I would have to say it is André Watson. (Please do not let him read this. )

Craig Joubert: And the easiest ("mental toughness, tjom").

Marius Jonker: Pro Legoete... he lacks the mental toughness to keep up with both of us on the golf course. He is quite good until the fourth and then the wheels come off!

Craig Joubert: Are you competitive?

Marius Jonker: Extremely! I hate losing!

Craig Joubert: Would you rather lose to me on the tennis court or Watson on the golf course?

Marius Jonker: Losing to you on the tennis court does not happen often as you well know. Losing to Watson on the golf course hurts and does not go down well at all. This, unfortunately, has been a regular occurrence.

Craig Joubert: That ultra competitive streak of yours must be affecting your memory - all these mentions of phantom golf and tennis victories?

Marius Jonker: Whatever makes you feel good, tjom.

Craig Joubert: Why does your daughter sometimes get you and Kaplan confused on the TV?

Marius Jonker: Because we are both extremely athletic and good looking. He, he.

Craig Joubert: Or perhaps the exceptionally large bald spots you both sport proudly which the top TV camera does wonders to enlarge! You tried any "products"? It is quite bright when you and Jonathan Kaplan referee a day game and the sun reflects off those bald spots!

Marius Jonker: I have tried some horse shampoo. Jonathan tried something else. Mine clearly worked!

Craig Joubert: What are your goals and aspirations over the next few years?

Marius Jonker: Refereeing: To maintain high standards and to be known as consistent and fair.

On a personal level: To be the best dad in the world.

Glossary: Tjom = chum.