Referee Glen Jackson has confirmed that he has decided to call time on his professional refereeing career.
Jackson, who was a former Maori All Black during his playing days will continue to support the New Zealand refereeing group up until March, but hopes to continue his journey in rugby in a different role.
“I feel extremely privileged to have worked as a professional referee for New Zealand Rugby over the last 10 years but I feel the time is right to finish and move onto something different but hopefully still be involved with rugby. I would like to thank Lyndon Bray and Bryce Lawrence for everything they have done for me and their support in making this decision. I think New Zealand refereeing is in a positive space with great leaders and fantastic young referees who I will miss working with,â€? he said.
As a referee Jackson started in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks going on to take charge of his first Super Rugby game in 2011 and his first test match the following year.
In total he has taken charge of almost 200 matches in the past ten years including 32 international test games.
That time on the pitch followed his time as a player, and between the two he has been involved on either side of the whistle for 25 years.
He made his name as a player at Super Rugby side the Chiefs before heading to England where he starred for Saracens, making 159 appearances.
During his refereeing career he was named New Zealand Referee of the Year on five occasions and became the first New Zealander to play and referee 100 matches.
Hopefully he can remain in the game in some capacity and be as successful as he has been in the past at whatever he does in the future.
