Mathieu Raynal retires at 42

https://www.world.rugby/news/918103/mathieu-raynal-calls-time-on-refereeing-career

Possibly not everyone’s favourite referee but a technically astute referee who often got difficult calls correct. It’s a shame to see him step down but he was at his peak as an official. Bonne vacances!

He was consistently one of the better refs. Glad to see he is going out on his own terms rather than being forced out by trolls.

Yep a good ref and I never had any issue with him.

I do wonder how is the pathway for pro refs, are they getting enough men/women wanting to do what is a thankless task often and in this day and age of horrendous abuse on social media etc a lot probably wonder if it's worth it.

Never minded when Raynal was reffing. Always seemed to know his stuff and as mentioned above, never afraid to give an unpopular but correct decision.

Enjoy retirement Mathieu!