Ben Whitehouse retires from refereeing to join Wales coaching staff

Welsh referee Ben Whitehouse has announced his immediate retirement from officiating to join the Wales national team coaching staff on a full-time basis. His final match as a referee was the United Rugby Championship derby between the Ospreys and the Dragons.

Whitehouse, 36, will serve as a specialist coach under head coach Steve Tandy. In this new role, he will work with players and coaches on rugby laws, discipline, and decision-making to help the team avoid penalties. His first major assignment in this capacity will be during the November Nations Championship fixtures against Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.

Whitehouse’s officiating career included more than 100 URC matches, nine Test matches, and 60 appointments as a television match official. He also served as a TMO during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including the semi-final between Argentina and New Zealand.