Walsh hangs up his whistle

Steve Walsh, a rugby referee in the top category of rugby referees, is to end his career with immediate effect.


The suddenness of the decision may lead to speculation of misbehaviour but it is in fact a case of Walsh's grabbing hold of a business opportunity before it is too late and the 42-year-old is out of referee for a while.


Walsh has been a referee for some 26 years and has reached great heights, including refereeing at the World Cups in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

To most he was regarded as a certainty to referee at the 2015 World Cup as well.

It has not always been smooth sailing …