South African referee Craig Joubert has retired from the 15s game to focus on a new position as a "talent development coach".
The 39-year-old is due to take up his new position in January 2017.
Speaking on his new role he said: "This was not a decision I took lightly given the obvious lure of possibly refereeing the British & Irish Lions in New Zealand next year as well as the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.”
“However, the opportunity to make a difference in other peoples’ careers and lives is something which I’m excited about. It really is a dream job."
"Over the past few years I have taken Rasta Rasivhenge under my wing and have mentored and coached him and it has been enormously rewarding to see him grow as a person and as a referee."
“This position gives me the opportunity to play a more formal role in sharing my experiences and developing referees and to have a positive influence on the lives and careers of other young referees."
“I am also thrilled that I will continue to referee on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series as we build our team of referees towards the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. I love the Sevens environment and being a part of this very special team.”
Craig Joubert announces retirement from test refereeing to take up World #Rugby role https://t.co/b1SFkf2Y4e pic.twitter.com/lh4Caz2a83
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) December 7, 2016
His impressive CV culminated in officiating the Rugby World Cup final in Auckland between New Zealand and France in 2011. He will remain as a referee for the sevens circuit.
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