“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% 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.”
Walsh’s career began in 1997 and with 60 Test games under his watch, he is the third most ‘capped’ ref of all time. Walsh was due to referee Wales v Ireland last week before pulling out and now his time in the middle is over.
Aside from his refereeing Walsh is probably even more famous for his much commented on hair (check out the Twitter account @SteveWalshshair) and arm tattoo, which reads ‘He who controls himself controls the game’.
Farewell Steve, you big dreamboat.
