Passion endures: Keeping the flame burning bright as an educator

Azhar Yusof boasts an illustrious rugby career spanning over thirty years. At 52 years old, he has embraced various roles and accomplished much as a national player, referee, coach, and trainer. His key to success? A tenacious spirit, a passion for education, and a willingness to leap at any opportunity that comes his way.

Catching rugby fever

How differently would Azhar’s sports career have gone if he had been selected for his secondary school's football team? When that opportunity closed, a new one emerged. In his final year, an Australian teacher launched a rugby club, and Azhar decided to give it a shot. He not only passed the trials but also developed a passion for rugby, which he jokingly calls his “first love”, even before his wife.

Azhar (2nd from right) served with Singapore Police Force during National Service

Azhar's big break came during his National Service with the Singapore Police Force (SPF), during Police Sports Association (PSA) rugby's “golden era”. Two national team selectors had attended a national club league match between PSA and the Singapore Cricket Club. Impressed by Azhar’s performance, the selector invited him to join the national U23 team and represent Singapore in rugby.

Azhar representing Singapore as a national player at the Hong Kong Sevens in 1995

“Anyone would feel proud at the thought of standing on the podium with the Singapore flag raised high and the national anthem playing. That pushed me to do as best as I could,” shared Azhar.

Azhar spent five years on the national team, during which time he had his share of exciting tournaments, such as competing in the Hong Kong Sevens and Fiji Sevens.

Staying in the game

Azhar’s introduction to rugby officiating was “an accident resulting from an accident”. After tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a match, Azhar underwent reconstructive surgery and spent several months in recovery. Eager to stay involved in the sport, Azhar enrolled in a referee course and started officiating local matches. 

Azhar (first row, 5th from right) as the coach of Raffles Institution’s rugby team

Balancing national training sessions with his full-time job as a teacher and rugby coach became very challenging. Eventually, he decided to retire from the national team and play at club level with fewer commitments, giving him the flexibility to continue refereeing on the side.

Azhar (top row, 3rd from left) as a player on the local Rugby Legends team

His talent as a referee caught the attention of the Singapore Referee Society president, who encouraged him to stop playing and take refereeing seriously. Although Azhar initially declined the offer because he preferred playing, work made it increasingly hard for him to attend club training sessions. After careful consideration, he chose to focus on developing his skills as a referee.

Making impact as a referee

Azhar made his international referee debut at the Asian Rugby Championship in Japan in 2000. This opened him up to the wider rugby community, allowing him to work closely with referees from all over Asia. This newfound camaraderie formed with referees from other countries was something he had never experienced as a player when facing opponents.

Azhar in action as a referee for an Asia Rugby match

Azhar also had the chance to collaborate with coaches, which he found deeply humbling. He was particularly honoured when Japan's coach, an All Blacks legend he had idolised, sought his feedback on the team’s performance. Azhar felt grateful to be part of a group that prioritised teamwork over ego. Despite their previous accomplishments, all the referees and coaches he worked with were committed to advancing the sport together. Throughout his travels, Azhar developed a strong network of referee friends, who still reach out to him to discuss the development of players and referees.

Azhar posing with fellow officials at the World Games Finals

As an international referee, Azhar has officiated at high-level competitions like the Asian Championship, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Games, advancing in his career beyond what he could have achieved as a player.

“Whenever I go for these trips, I come back motivated with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with new knowledge about the sport and how to referee or coach it better. I enjoy my work so much that I don't see it as work sometimes,” shared Azhar.

Training the next generation

Azhar receiving an award at the 2015 Nanyang Awards Presentation Ceremony for his contributions to education

Later in his referee career, Azhar was identified by World Rugby as a potential trainer, perfect for his unique background in education. As a trainer, he would get to develop referees in the region to reach international standards. Showing lots of promise, Azhar was fast-tracked to becoming a trainer. Additionally, Azhar's experience as a rugby athlete, referee, and coach has made him a master trainer focused on talent development in refereeing, coaching, and strength and conditioning.

Azhar (top row, extreme right) with fellow trainers under the IRF Talent Optimisation Programme

For Azhar, there is nothing more fulfilling than watching his students thrive under his mentorship. One memorable moment as a rugby educator was seeing an Argentinian referee he mentored under the Talent Optimisation Program (TOP) get selected to join the World Rugby professional panel and appointed to referee at the prestigious The Rugby Championships.

“I felt really proud to have contributed to his development as a referee. It's gratifying to know that you have made such a positive impact on someone that they continue to connect with you and seek your guidance long after your last engagement.”

Being open to all pathways

Azhar (extreme left) posing with fellow officials at the Hong Kong 7s

Choosing a key moment from Azhar's 30-year rugby career was difficult, but he chose the 2015 Asian Championship Finals in Japan. This match was notable as it was the last game played in the Tokyo Olympic Stadium before its demolition, and playing in front of a full crowd with the Olympic cauldron lit made it even more special. After the game, Azhar spent some time alone, soaking in the atmosphere and reflecting on his rugby journey up to that point.

Azhar as Chef de Mission for rugby at the 28th SEA Games

“I looked back on my journey as an athlete, referee, and coach, considering how each role had contributed to this achievement. It’s quite bittersweet. I don’t think I would have become a referee if I hadn’t tried out for the team in Secondary 4,” shared Azhar with a chuckle.

He encourages sports enthusiasts to keep an open mind about careers in sports and to explore various opportunities, whether as an athlete or in administrative roles within sports associations.

“What I have achieved is not unreachable. Whatever your passion, pursue it wholeheartedly. You never know what you can possibly achieve.”