White has refereed at three World Cups and more than 50 internationals

England's most experienced rugby referee, Chris White, has been given the job of developing the country's top-level referees for the future.

The 47-year-old from Cheltenham, who has 15 years international experience, is the Rugby Football Union's new National Referee Academy Manager.

He told BBC Gloucestershire: "I was fortunate enough to do the opening [Premiership] weekend at Twickenham.

"I've been 17 years in the Premiership and it's a privilege to be out there."

The role will require White to identify talented young referees and help them with technical, analytical and fitness skills.

Unlike some other sports, there are no age limits for referees in rugby union, and White has no plans to retire just yet.

"Fitness, form and motivation are the things you look at when you assess whether to carry on" he said.

"I'm looking at another couple of years and dovetailing refereeing with the new role, which will certainly grow as we go along."

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