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While the Kiwis were continuing their impressive start to this season’s IRB Sevens World Series in George, there was a different reason for celebration at Outeniqua Park.

The Plate final between hosts South Africa and England marked a special occasion for the man in the middle, Taizo Hirabayashi, with it being the man from Japan’s 100th match that that he had refereed on the IRB Sevens circuit.

Not that he would let you have realised. When asked about how he felt that he had officiated in his 100th match, Hirabayashi answered modestly.

“I would love to be celebrating an even longer career,” he joked.

Hirabayashi, who was named amongst the top 100 most recognised faces in Japan, was however delighted that his 100th match came in South Africa, the very place he began his refereeing career.

“Although the stadium and the town are not huge compared to the others there is a very passionate crowd,” said Hirabayashi.

“My first International match was at the U19 World Cup in Durban South Africa in 2005 and my first IRB circuit Cup final appointment was also in George in 2006 when New Zealand beat South Africa 26-24, so I cannot forget about South Africa in my rugby life and always have a great feeling refereeing in such a great rugby country.”

Many fans would mention Waisele Serevi or Ben Gollings when they mention Sevens stalwarts, but Taizo Hirabayashi deserves a mention having refereed two Cup finals, including last weekend’s final in Dubai between Samoa and New Zealand, six Plate finals and two Shield finals.

His feat is made all the more remarkable in that it has happened in such a short space of time – since 2006 - and with Hirabayashi down to officiate in six of the eight legs this season, this achievement will continue to grow, although it is clear where his aspirations lie.

“After the announcement of the Olympics, Rugby sevens will have a huge revolution. I would like to challenge myself now to continue to step up to the new generation of Rugby Sevens.

“I have a lot of tasks in order to improve myself at the moment but I would love to do my best for the next 10 years with a strong desire to be officiating at the Olympics and Rugby World Cup in Japan.”

Hirabayashi is always quick to pay homage to those who have helped him get to where he is, including IRB Referee Manager, Paddy O’Brien, and the recently appointed IRB Sevens Referee Manager Keith Lawrence who the Japanese man has been working closely with this season.