In just his second event following his debut in Dubai a week earlier, the young Welsh referee impressed the adjudicators to earn his spot in the coveted final at DHL Stadium where hosts South Africa beat Olympic champions France 26-14 to win a thrilling men’s final to claim their first HSBC SVNS title on home soil in nine years.
WRU National elite performance referee manager Ian Davies is delighted with the progress Connor has made in relative quick time.
“There are few referees fortunate to referee finals of global competitions, so seeing Ben referee the final at Cape Town Sevens is testament not just to his ability but the work he does behind the scenes in developing his game.
Ben Connor gets the scrum set in the final in Capte Town (Pic: Alex Ho / World Rugby)
“He always aims to be better and make marginal gains in his game, and the World Series will not only enhance his game, but help him grow as an individual.
“He is very much an individual whose feet are firmly on the ground, believe it or not at 21 he is very much a role model for some of our younger referees.
“I’m personally extremely proud to see how he has developed.”
There is no rest for the wicked though as Connor returns home and heads straight back into Super Rygbi Cymru action on Thursday when the Quins host Aberavon at Carmarthen Park.
