Spreadbury named refs chief

New boss: Former referee Tony Spreadbury has been appointed as the RFU’s head of professional game match officials

Tony Spreadbury has been appointed as the Rugby Football Union’s head of professional game match officials.

The RFU confirmed Spreadbury’s role after he led the referees’ department this season.

The 52-year-old Spreadbury retired as a top-flight referee after the 2007 World Cup after taking charge of 44 Test matches.

“Tony Spreadbury is hugely respected across the game,” RFU professional rugby director Rob Andrew said.

“He has been instrumental in taking the department to the next level. With match officials under increasing scrutiny and pressure as rugby continues to grow, Tony will continue to be at the forefront of ensuring they fulfil their duties to the game in the best way possible.”