Dave McHugh Retires From Test Rugby.

Dave McHugh, Ireland’s most capped referee, with 29 Test appearances, has announced his retirement from international rugby.

Having made his debut in 1994 in the match between Romania and Wales,
he
entered the 5 Nations Championship the following year in Paris when
France
played Scotland. He also refereed two European Cup finals and
officiated in
the Rugby World Cups of 1995, ’99 and 2003.

Dave, who announces his retirement having refereed last Saturday’s
Calcutta
Cup match in Murrayfield, said, Scotland v England in the 6 Nations is as important a match as there
is in
Test rugby and I feel it is an appropriate time for me to finish.

While there is obviously a tinge of regret, I have been fortunate to
have
been involved for a long time, and have enjoyed it all immensely. I
am
particularly grateful to those who have advised and coached me along
the way
and to Unions throughout the World for their courtesy and friendly
hospitality at all times.

Irish refereeing has never been stronger and to have four of us
controlling
matches in this year’s 6 Nations is a testimony to the structures
which the
IRFU have in place.

7He will now concentrate on the development, training and
coaching of
referees in his recently appointed position as a Referee Development
Officer
with the IRFU.