Horsman aims to become a referee

Chris Horsman is keen to pursue a career as a referee

Former Worcester Warriors and Wales international prop Chris Horsman is considering becoming a referee after calling time on his playing career.

Horsman told BBC Hereford and Worcester he is keen to remain actively involved in the game.

"I've spoken with Ed Morrison with a view to starting the referee's course and see where that takes me," he said.

"I think there is a need for international front-row forwards to maybe step into refereeing."

Horsman decided to end his playing career on the advice of a surgeon, who warned him that there was a danger of lasting damage to his neck if he continued.

There is a definite need for ex-players to get involved in the game because we sometimes take officials for granted

Chris Horsman

"When they looked at the scans it was a straightforward decision," he said.

"He told me that if I carried on playing the chances were that I would need another major operation on my spine which would involve taking another disc out of my neck.

"That would not only mean that I couldn't play rugby again but clearly it could also impede on my future standard of living."

Horsman is keeping his future career options open but he is keen on passing on his experience by doing front-row coaching.

He admits that there is an element of 'poacher turned gamekeeper' about his aims to become a referee .

While he knows that he cannot expect any favours from the refereeing authorities, as he had his share of run-ins with officials during his playing career, Horsman feels he is in a good position to further his aims.

"Like anyone who starts refereeing you have to follow that system and meet the required criteria," he said.

"But if I show promise and because if I have the opportunity to throw myself at it full-time they have said they would look to fast-track me through as quickly as possible.

"There is a definite need for ex-players to get involved in the game because we sometimes take officials for granted and without them the game would not function."