RUGBY referees from the US and South Africa were welcomed to the North-East yesterday.
They are spending three weeks in the area as part of an annual exchange that involves local referees visiting South Africa and the US.
The exchange, which was organised by Durham County Rugby Union Referees' Society, is aimed at forging greater links with rugby groups overseas. During their time in the UK, the officials will referee a number of County Durham rugby union games, including league matches and school and university fixtures.
They visited Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond yesterday to talk about their experiences and to find out more about Hartlepool.
Mayor Drummond said: "I was delighted to welcome the referees to Hartlepool. The town has a huge rugby tradition and it was great to hear about the referees' experiences both in their own countries and during their stay here."
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