Dion Katzenellenbogen, one of the ‘old guard’ referees in Western Province, passed away aged 84. He leaves his wife and two sons. Dion matriculated at Paarl Boys’ High and later played first team rugby for Strand Somerset West Rugby Club (the Dynamiters).

An exceptionally-talented flyhalf, he went on to coach the Dynamiters first team for several years – the soft sand at the Strand beach was a preferred place for fitness sessions! Dion also served on the club’s Executive Committee.

He started refereeing at a young age and went on to become a Currie Cup referee. He also later served on the WP Rugby Referees’ Executive Committee and was a Council Member of the WP Rugby Union.

Dion was involved with hostel rugby at Stellenbosch University and served on the Referees’ Committee at the University. One of his sons, Michael Katzenellenbogen, followed in his father’s footsteps and also became a Currie Cup referee. Unfortunately, Michael was diagnosed with Cerebral Ataxia and passed away at the age of 50 in 2019.

Sporting genes often flow within a family, and the Katzenellenbogens were a great example of offspring following in their parent’s footsteps. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the surviving family.