Thursday 19 March 2015 23:08, UK
Leading international rugby union referee Steve Walsh has retired from officiating with immediate effect to pursue business interests outside the sport.
The 43-year-old has refereed at four World Cups but will not be making it five at the 2015 tournament in England later this year.
Walsh, who hails from New Zealand, took charge of his first Super Rugby match in 1997, and went on to referee 60 Test matches. making him the third-most 'capped' referee in history.
In a statement issued by the Australian Rugby Union, Walsh said: "I have lived my dream, and I am truly grateful for every experience that I have had in rugby. It's been an incredible journey.
"I would be doing all of the key stakeholders in the game - from officials to the players to the fans - an injustice if I was unable to 100 per cent channel my energies and devote my full attention towards refereeing Super Rugby and Test Matches.
"I would not want my new focus to impact the integrity of the competitions in which I am involved.
"I will be forever indebted to Australian Rugby for including me so openly following a difficult period for me personally.
"I would also like to acknowledge my time with New Zealand Rugby.
"Their decision to end my contract in 2009 was challenging, but was ultimately the best thing that has ever happened in my life. It made me confront who I was, and how I carried myself."
