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Welsh rugby referees see the joke

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CARDIFF (Reuters) - Welsh rugby referees have become an official joke after it was announced that their new sponsors were the nation's largest chain of opticians.
Placards carrying the message 'Get your blinking eyes tested, ref' will be distributed by Specsavers to fans at matches in the coming season, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) said on Thursday.

Clive Norling, the WRU's Director of Referees, welcomed the four-year deal, saying it should help to improve the traditionally tense relationship between referee and Welsh rugby follower.

"Like all referees, I was subjected to humorous comments from the terraces on match days such as 'open your eyes ref, you're missing a great game,'" said Norling in a statement.

"This agreement therefore is not just a major financial boost but it is also hoped that it will assist in bringing back to the terraces some traditional humour."

Norling said he hoped the new sponsorship deal would boost the number of people on referee coaching courses in Wales, which has slumped 50 percent.

"Verbal abuse hurled at referees by coaches and spectators has contributed hugely to the problem in that it turns potential referees away from taking up the whistle," he added.

"It is hoped that the partnership with Specsavers will encourage a swift return of the more humorous comments aimed at referees, replacing the foul personal abuse that, sadly, is nowadays hurled at match officials."

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