POLOKWANE – Hosted by FNB and the Pietersburg Club, former international rugby referee, Jonathan Kaplan recently visited the city.
Bertie Huggett, the regional head of business and commercial banking at FNB, said Kaplan was on retainer with the FNB group to appear as a guest speaker at FNB functions.
“During his visit, Kaplan elaborated on the current rules in rugby, and with his experience and insight, it was worthwhile information that he shared with the guests. He also touched on the controversy some of the rules cause, especially among fans,” said Huggett.
Guests at the event stood a chance to win lucky draw prizes, which were sponsored by Goose Valley Wines and Vleis Lapa Marshall Street.
Kaplan’s autobiography, Call It Like It Is, was also one of the prizes.
Huggett said guests also found Kaplan’s vision for this year’s IRB Web Ellis World Cup Springbok team quite interesting and he touched on the quota system.
“Kaplan reckons the quota system of nine players of colour being included in the national squad changes the thoughts of the selectors and coaching team in setting up a dynamic squad,” he said.
Kaplan’s career stretches over three decades, with his first class debut in 1991. The first international match he appeared in was in 1996. After retiring in 2013, he officiated in 13 world cup matches over four tournaments. He is currently still the only South African referee who has blown the whistle in four world cups.
“Sterling milestones such as Kaplan’s are the reason FNB, as part of the First Rand Group, decided to team up with Kaplan. FNB also boast numerous records and milestones, just like Kaplan. Winning awards for most innovative bank in the world, being named coolest bank in South Africa and best online banking capabilities.
“FNB is also becoming the largest bank in Africa over the last year and the gap is still widening,” said Huggett.
