 Klein has been one of Super League's leading officials |
Leading Super League referee Ashley Klein has resigned from his full-time Rugby Football League post and is to move back to his native Australia. Klein has officiated in the British game since 2003 and refereed the 2005, 2007 and 2008 Grand Finals. The 29-year-old, who took charge of the World Cup final last year, will return to Australia to join his family and work as a referee in the NRL. Meanwhile, the RFL has given French ref Thierry Albert a full-time contract. The 38-year-old refereed four Super League games last year and also officiated at the World Cup in Australia. "Thierry has established himself as a top level referee with high quality domestic and international experience," said the RFL's match officials director Stuart Cummings. "We believe his appointment is positive news for the RFL's domestic competitions and the sport at world level as we seek to develop the quality of match officials in all rugby league playing nations." The RFL has also brought French referee Mohammed Drizza into the fold to referee in the lower leagues in the UK as well as in France's domestic competition. The shake-up to the RFL's pool of referees are partly a consequence of Klein's decision to return to Australia. "To be given the chance to referee in the NRL is a dream for me and I can't wait to get to Australia and begin training with the other officials," said Klein.  | 606: DEBATE |
"It's a great challenge for me, especially with the two-referee system in place for this year, and it is one I am looking forward to." Cummings said he was sad to lose Klein from the British game. "Ashley has had a very difficult decision to make but has understandably decided to join his family in Australia," said Cummings. "Therefore we have decided it is in the best interests of all parties concerned to accept his resignation with immediate effect. "His progress is a tribute to the programmes in place to develop match officials in the UK. "His departure now provides a fantastic opportunity for three or four young match officials to stake their claim to join the elite ranks of referees in this country." Last year, the NRL approved a plan for its matches this season to be officiated by two referees.
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