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Dubai: Martyn Gulliford, a key figure in Gulf rugby for many years, went out on a Dubai sevens high when he refereed the International Vets final. The deputy head of Dubai College was officiating at his 16th and final tournament after deciding the time was right at the age of 60 to take a step back, although he will continue to be involved with local matches and with off-pitch administration. Gulliford took to the whistle 25 years ago in Berkshire. Along with Ed Morrison, he helped establish the Gulf Referees' Society in 1992 and was chairman of the Gulf union from 1995-97. He said: "I've had a great time. Over the years I've refereed people like Jonah Lomu, Michael Lynagh, Christian Cullen and Eric Rush."
There is an unusual family double at this year's event. While Sean Hurley is on the field playing for the Arabian Gulf in the IRB section of the tournament, Brisbane-based dad Mike is a key member of the officiating team as touchline manager. Doha's Deon Koegelenberg celebrated his 28th birthday a day late by making an appearance for Uganda. Confused? The African side were hit so hard by injuries that they had to fill with players drawn from Gulf sides.
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