Michael Somes was ACT Rugby's voice of fairness

Michael Somes was a voice Photo: Supplied.

Speak to anybody who appeared before Michael Somes in his role as the chair of the ACT Rugby Union Judiciary and a common theme resonates: tough but fair.

I never appeared before him but I knew plenty of players who did. In the wake of his passing last week following a lengthy battle with cancer, I decided to reach out to the player who probably appeared before him most at the ACT Rugby Union Judiciary – Royals prop Geoff Didier.

Didier, by his own admission, got to know Michael quite well through his judiciary appearances.

When I phoned Geoff, his initial comment without a question was: “ We very rarely saw eye to eye but I respected his decisions. I don’t think I ever got off after appearing before him. He was tough but fair.”

His passing has brought to the surface similar memories many people had of their encounters with Michael.

He always impressed me with his humour and his knowledge of rugby, so much so that I often suspected he was a coach at heart.

He was a decent rugby player himself and would comment, tongue firmly in cheek, about his place in the pantheon of St Edmonds College Rugby stars.

“St Edmunds College has produced three great half backs: Ricky Stuart, George Gregan and me,” he’d joke.

Michael was born, raised, educated and employed in Canberra. He began his primary education at St Christopher’s Cathedral School followed by secondary schooling at the local rugby nursery of St Edmund’s College.

He studied law at the ANU before joining the well-established law firm Gallen’s.

He started his judicial career as a magistrate and a coroner before retiring from the bench in 2007.

While still on the bench he was invited to join the ACT Rugby Union Judiciary in 2003. He went on to become deputy chair before residing as its chair from 2009 until his passing. He was also the citing commissioner for a number of years for Rugby Australia.

These roles allowed him to combine his passions for rugby and the law.

Stuart Pilkinton QC sat alongside Michael on the judiciary.

“I will always be grateful to Michael for sponsoring my appointment to the judiciary in 2003,” he said.

“ Working with him was like a masterclass in conducting a hearing where often the cited player came from a different cultural background. He had a real feel for the game,” Stuart said.

“He always had the right balance. No one who appeared before Michael could complain that he had received an unfair hearing.

“Michael has moved to the sideline in the game they play in heaven. He will be forever missed.”

The ACT Rugby community is in his debt for his service and is poorer for his passing.