Retiring referee Ben Whitehouse joins Wales coaching staff

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

Referee Ben Whitehouse has retired from officiating to join the Wales coaching team full-time.

Ben Whitehouse has joined Steve Tandy's Wales coaching team on a full-time basis, ending his refereeing career. Whitehouse's final match as an official will be Saturday's United Rugby Championship derby between Ospreys and Dragons at St Helen's.

During his international refereeing career, Whitehouse took charge of nine Test matches and served as a television match official for 60 Tests, including at the 2021 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. He started refereeing in the 2009/10 season. Whitehouse has previously advised Wales on discipline and tactical matters.

In his new role, Whitehouse will work with coaches and players on the principles of law, discipline, decision-making and communication. Head coach Tandy said his 'knowledge of the game from his experience officiating, not only around the laws but also in terms of communication, is hugely beneficial'. Whitehouse will join Wales for the Nations Championship fixtures in November, including matches against Japan, New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff, and a finals weekend Test at Twickenham.

How it is being reported

• Ben Whitehouse quits refereeing as he joins Wales coaching teamSteve Tandy has added Ben Whitehouse to his coaching team, with the official retiring from refereeingWalesOnline · 19 Oct, 16:17
• Ref Whitehouse retires to join Wales coaching teamWales add referee Ben Whitehouse to coaching team for the Nations Championship fixtures in November.BBC Wales · 19 Oct, 16:15

In this story: Ben Whitehouse · Steve Tandy · Wales · Ospreys · Dragons

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