Jon Sharp departs as head of match officials

The RFL have revealed that Jon Sharp, the governing body’s head of match officials, has left the organisation.

There will now be a period of reflection while the RFL considers how, to quote from an official statement, “the vacated role will be replaced.”

“We would like to thank Jon for his contribution in what has been an exciting period of transition for the game,” RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer.

“As a former player and first team coach, Jon brought a fresh perspective to the match officials department and has played an important role in the development of the sport’s referees and touch-judges at the elite level.

“Jon leaves with our best wishes.”

Sharp himself has found the his time in the job satisfying and rewarding.

“The last three and a half years have been some of the most rewarding of my career and I am pleased that I had the opportunity to work alongside a group of match officials whose professionalism and expertise is world class,” he said.

“Just as the sport has made the most of the opportunities that have emerged from the new era, I have no doubt that the Rugby League Match Officials will build on the high standards that we have set.”