It was, in fact, 23 of England’s elite referees from over the years, who were receiving caps from RFU President Jeff Blackett.

Jonny Johnson, who lives in Troon in Scotland had already received his cap from Jeff and Larry Lamb is due a visit for a cap hand over soon. Laura Pettingale, a PE teacher, was unable to make the event but there are plans for a visit to her school.

"Our game would not exist without referees and these 23 are the best of the best," said Jeff. "It is a great honour to be able to bring them together and acknowledge their achievements. It has been a celebration of excellence when we have thanked them and their families for many years of service."

The other match officials raised a glass and enjoyed lunch together – all resplendent in their newly-made and embroidered caps. Peter Hughes, an elite referee in the seventies, recalled the days when he was in the middle or ran touch for Test matches.

"In those early days, I was in Dublin in shorts and blazer, as touch judge for the 1973 Test match at the height of the troubles. It was the occasion when after losing 18-9 England captain John Pullin said: ‘We might not be the best team in the world but at least we turn up!’"

Other teams having declined to take that risk, England were greeted with a standing ovation when they ran onto the Lansdowne Road pitch.

"The touch judges, as we were then called rather than assistant referees, came from the two competing nations. We were still in blazers, although the referee wore a jersey, unlike in previous times when he too was in a blazer. I had to pay to get my blazer dry cleaned between matches!" said Peter.

"We had no intercom, no TMO and basically the referee was on his own. If a touch judge saw foul play, he might have a quiet word with the referee at the next lineout but as referees in the seventies you were very much in charge. There were different pressures and you stood or fell on your own decisions and communication. They were good days, however, and it is great to feel that we now have similar recognition to those who got capped for playing."

Wayne Barnes, a driving force behind the capping ceremony added: "It is wonderful to see so many referees all in one room from the last 40 years who I have admired and respected throughout my own refereeing career.

"These are referees who never looked for acknowledgment, but this presentation of caps is a welcome tribute to the sacrifice and commitment they have shown over their careers."