Hong Kong ref Tim Baker ready for the world stage

Hong Kong referee Tim Baker, ranked the top match official in Asia, is now on the world radar after attending a talent camp in South Africa.

Baker joined 22 other participants selected by World Rugby at a week-long 2015 Talent Optimisation Camp (Top Camp) at the South African Academy of Sport in Stellenbosch. The intensive programme of specialised and advanced instruction focused on the physical, technical and physiological strains of officiating at the highest level.

Baker is now in the running to be selected for the 2016 Junior World Trophy in Manchester, England.

“Tim has worked exceptionally hard on his game over the past six months and this has shown in his performances in the Asian Rugby Championship,” said Hugh Watkins, head of match officiating at the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union.

“Tim has a big future ahead of him if he continues to work hard.”

Baker, who only moved to Hong Kong 18 months ago, has quickly established himself and was appointed to both the Asian Rugby Sevens Series and the Asian Rugby Championship.