When Elliot Vaughan first picked up a rugby ball, he did not imagine the path would lead him to the Tech Zone team at one of the sport’s biggest international events. Now a Grade 9 student at CIS, Elliot reflects on the learning, nerves, and joy that come with refereeing on a world stage as well as how support from his mentors and family helped get him there.

When did your journey in rugby begin?

My introduction to rugby began at a young age when my dad signed me up for the Dragons Rugby Club in Tampines. I started with touch rugby and transitioned into contact by the time I was eight. Rugby quickly became more than just a weekend activity, it was something I genuinely enjoyed and wanted to pursue further.

In 2024, I began officiating young age group tournaments for ages 6 to 10. After I gained experience, I was selected to be a part of the Tech Zone team at the international Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby 7s. It was an eye-opening experience and I enjoyed every moment of it.

What drew you into refereeing?

My dad has always been a referee, so I grew up seeing the game from both sides: the field and the whistle. However, refereeing was not something I immediately set out to do. Becoming certified as a referee involves rigorous training, from studying the rules to completing a set of tests, all of which felt like a lot to balance with my commitments as a student athlete.

What ultimately changed my mind was seeing my peers in my rugby club step into refereeing themselves. The sense of shared purpose and seeing others my age take it on, motivated me to take the leap and become a referee too.

How did it feel to be selected for the HSBC 7’s Tech Zone team?

Being selected for the HSBC 7’s Tech Zone team was a huge milestone in my refereeing journey. It felt like a dream come true, especially since I had always wanted to work alongside my dad, having seen his involvement over the years.

When I received the news, I felt both excited and nervous. I also felt some pressure with balancing my studies, which made the experience even more intense. Still, the opportunity to be part of such an iconic event kept me motivated to rise above the challenges.

A moment that I will never forget was walking into the national stadium from the entrance. As the stadium opened up more and more, it all felt so surreal. It gave me goosebumps and I had never felt anything like that before!

How has CIS helped prepare you for where you are today?

I’ve always felt supported by the people around me, from classmates to teachers and coaches. A highlight for me was when my coach, Mr Chris Lee, gave me the opportunity to referee a school game. It was a big step that helped build my confidence. After the match, my other coach, Mr Mat Jones, gave me lots of feedback on my refereeing which pushed me to improve. Throughout my journey though, Mr Tengku has always been in my corner and encouraged me at every stage of my journey as both an athlete and referee.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Elliot! Your journey reflects the talent and ambition that defines our Husky community.