Steve Tandy has added Ben Whitehouse to his coaching team, with the official retiring from refereeing

Ben Whitehouse is to end his refereeing career after joining Steve Tandy’s Wales backroom staff as a specialist coach.

The Ospreys' United Rugby Championship clash with the Dragons at St Helen's on Saturday will be the final time Whitehouse officiates a game of rugby.

In his role within Steve Tandy’s coaching team, Whitehouse will work closely with coaches and players around the principles of law, discipline, decision-making and communication. He has already spent time within the Wales camp as an advisor during previous campaigns.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time so far with Steve, the coaches and players," said Whitehouse.

"Rugby has been a huge part of my life since a young age and Wales means everything to me.

“I’m incredibly proud to be joining the team now full-time as a specialist coach. It’s a huge honour to become part of the national squad set up and I’m excited to continue working with the group as we head into our next block of matches this autumn.”

Discipline has been a major priority for Tandy in his first year in charge, with Wales conceding 74 penalties and having 10 players sent to the sin-bin across his first six Tests.

But Wales' discipline has improved significantly over the past few months.

Whitehouse started his refereeing career at the age of 19 during the 2009/10 season and quickly made his way through the ranks at the WRU.

During his international career Whitehouse refereed nine Test matches and was appointed as TMO for 60 (43 men’s Tests and 17 women’s), including at Rugby World Cup 2021 and Rugby World Cup 2023.

Whitehouse has also officiated in the Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations, The Rugby Championship and the Nations Championship.

“Ben’s had a big impact already in his work with us so far this year and it’s great to now make that a more formal role," said Tandy.

"His knowledge of the game from his experience officiating, not only around the laws but also in terms of communication, is hugely beneficial and we’ll be working hard as a group to continue to build and improve in this area during the next phase of the Nations Championship in November.”

Wales face Fiji, New Zealand and Australia this autumn before the Nations Championship finals weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

“The creation of this role is part of our work to build a clear and aligned Welsh rugby DNA," said the WRU'S director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin.

"The specialist technical, tactical and strategic expertise that Ben will continue to provide coaches and players is extremely valuable as we look to accelerate our development in all areas.”