Dave Pearson
England
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Full name David Pearson
Born August 9, 1966, Morpeth
Current age 57 years 232 days
Other Referee
Profile

Pearson took up rugby at school and after playing for Seghill and refereeing in the amateur era, he went professional in 2002. In his first Premiership match he sinbinned England captain Martin Johnson for a punch on Rob Russell.

Pearson took charge of his first international match when Argentina faced Japan on April 23, 2005. In 2011 he was considered among the elite officials in world rugby, and took a place on the panel for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

In the following Six Nations, Pearson endured a torrid tournament. In Wales' opening fixture of a Grand Slam season, he failed to recommend that lock Bradley Davies be sent off for a dangerous off-the-ball tackle, earning criticism from pundits and coaches alike. The following week he was again at the heart of the action, correctly postponing Ireland's away match with France due to a frozen pitch.

Latest Articles
Pearson swaps the whistle for coaching (Sep 14, 2012) O'Brien steps down from IRB refs role (Mar 24, 2012) Clancy to ref Saints' semi-final (Apr 15, 2011)
Latest Photos
Mar 4, 2012
Referee Dave Pearson signals a decision
Referee Dave Pearson signals a decision
©  Getty Images
Feb 11, 2012
Referee Dave Pearson and Ireland coach Declan Kidney
Referee Dave Pearson and Ireland coach Declan Kidney
©  PA Photos

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