This weekend promises to be a special one for a Belfast rugby referee who is set to record another proud milestone.

Peter Martin once studied at and played for Queen's University, but he is now a top match official who is climbing the ranks in domestic, European and international rugby.

His latest big moment will come this Sunday when he referees the game between Cheetahs and Zebre at Amsterdam Stadium. It will be his first time refereeing in the European Challenge Cup.

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Martin has also been selected to referee Italy vs France in the Under 20 Six Nations.

Queen's University congratulated the former Methodist College student on his ascent up the refereeing ladder.

They said: "A huge well done to our very own Peter Martin who makes his EPCR Debut this weekend, refereeing Cheetahs v Zebre.

"Peter has also been selected for Under 20 six nations, refereeing Italy v France

"All at QUB cheering you on and what a fine example of other ways to reach the top level in the game aside from playing."

Martin - who achieved a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Queen's University - has been an Elite Referee with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) since October last year.

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He has been described as one of the county's rising officials after being named Ulster Rugby Referee of the Year in 2018/19. Martin began his refereeing career as a volunteer seven years ago after realising that he wasn't going to be an elite rugby player.

Martin started off refereeing schools and youth rugby before progressing to the All Ireland League and international matches. He previously travelled to Russia where he refereed the final in the Europe Under 18 Final.

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