A HEREFORD student who has dreams of officiate in rugby's top tier is making big strides towards his target.

James Hurds, studies at Hereford Sixth Form College alongside being a senior rugby referee at the age of just 16 years old.

He has recently been awarded the Gloucester and District Referee Society County colours after being assessed while officiating senior games during the past season. He has also had to complete an exam on the laws of the game and scenario based questions.

After playing rugby since the age of five at Hereford Rugby Club, Hurds chose to chase the dream of officiating in the game instead of playing and joined the Referee Academy with Gloucester Referee Society three years ago.

"He hopes to be selected for the RFU Academy in the future," said his father John Hurds.

"He is constantly assessed at games by the Gloucester and District Referee Society who give him feedback and he can now referee up to Level 10."

This season Hurds has officiated at senior games including Ross-on-Wye first, Berry Hill and Cheltenham College.

Premiership referees also help the Referee Academy members by giving them scenarios and guidance.

"His aim is to be a premiership referee as his cousin Josh McNally is a rugby player for the RAF and London Irish," his dad added.

"James would like to thank Colin Reeves and Simon Tyler for all the help and support he has received to help him progress."