Silverwood calls it quits

Super League referee Richard Silverwood has called time on his 15-year refereeing career.

Silverwood is Rugby League’s longest-serving full time referee and became Super League’s youngest official when he took charge of his first game, between Salford and Halifax in 2001, at the age of 24.

He has taken charge of over 400 Super League games in his career including the 2010, 2012 and 2013 Grand Finals and World Club Challenge between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm.

Silverwood has also refereed three Challenge Cup finals, in 2006 at Twickenham and 2010 and 2012 at Wembley Stadium, as well as over 50 Challenge Cup games.

Internationally, Silverwood has a wealth of experience of Four Nations, Anzac Tests and European Championship games and refereed the 2013 World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand at Old Trafford.

Silverwood was suspended earlier this season after a off-field incident that is believed to have occurred at Magic Weekend.

RFL Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer said: “We would like to thank Richard for his contribution as a referee at the sports highest level over the past decade and a half”.

Richard Silverwood said: “I have had an outstanding career as a referee. I have no regrets but I am now looking to the next chapter of my career.”