Gold Coast Cyclones versus Far North Coast cancelled after rugby referee dies mid-match

The Gold Coast Cyclones’ representative rugby fixture against NSW Far North Coast has been cancelled suddenly after a “tragic” incident at a game south of the border.

THE Gold Coast Cyclones’ representative rugby fixture against NSW Far North Coast has been cancelled suddenly after a “tragic” incident at a game south of the border.

The two regions were set to do battle in a trial on Sunday afternoon at Bienvenue Drive until Far North Coast withdrew out of respect to long-time referee Ian Hooper, who passed away on the field at Lennox Head on Saturday.

Allen was officiating a Far North Coast reserve grade match between Lennox Head and Ballina when he collapsed and died.

Tyron Jones had been set to lead the Cyclones out. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The situation understandably left players shattered.

“There’s quite a few of our rep blokes that have grown up playing rugby here and they would have only known a time when Ian Hooper was involved in the game,” Far North Coast president Joe Allen said.

HOGS FLANKER AWARDED THE CYCLONES CAPTAINCY

“He had refereed here for nearly 30 years I think it was.”

The Far North Coast district are set to issue a statement shortly.