This was a hugely valuable experience for me in helping to develop my refereeing. While the social side and the treats on the side were really cool and a huge part of it the experienced I gained from refereeing was the main part of the trip. The language barrier was a huge challenge and was something I had to adapt. This combined with having to quickly learn a new style of rugby was something that I think will only improve my refereeing.
Nick Hogan on his Japan interchange
![](https://www.wrra.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/JP6.jpg)