A former North Otago man was at the centre of an unusually dramatic test in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Chris Linwood, formerly of Kurow and a product of Waitaki Boys' High School, was the referee for the Asian Championship match between Hong Kong and Japan.
The test was abandoned after just 13 minutes due to heavy rain and lightning.
Japan was leading 3-0 but the test was ruled a draw, ending the Cherry Blossoms' winning streak in the competition at 35 games.
Linwood, a lawyer who now lives in the United Arab Emirates, wrote on his Facebook page that the test was an ''anti climax''.
''Quite a surreal 13 minutes. Felt like something out of a movie.''
Reuters reported Japan coach Eddie Jones was angered by the decision to abandon the test.
''We came here to play rugby,'' Jones was quoted as saying.
''I've got guys playing for World Cup spots so I am disappointed. It's going to be hard to cut players when they haven't been given an opportunity.''
However, Hong Kong coach Andy Hall said Linwood had made the right decision.
''It's dangerous for boats, let alone rugby players,'' Hall said.
