Former New Zealand netball umpire Jono Bredin is switching codes, as he looks to stamp his mark in rugby union.
Bredin has umpired over 77 netball Test matches and 120 domestic games.
He has won the Umpire of the Year award on more than one occasion and was the only Kiwi to feature in this year's Gold Coast Commonwealth Games final.
"I took the opportunity, but I wouldn't say I was jumping for joy," said Bredin.
The Commonwealth Games final match between England and Australia was Bredin's final netball Test, as he swaps his trainers for a pair cleats to referee rugby.
"Like any Kiwi I guess I follow rugby and with my netball career I've done everything I want to.
"Umpired the top games and I was really getting itchy feet for a new challenge."
Bredin is one of 34 named in the national referee squad, which means he will likely officiate a range of different rugby fixtures next year.
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