Referee Walsh still out injured

A recurring calf injury continues to delay Steve Walsh’s return to Super Rugby refereeing.

Walsh was due to resume this weekend but has been forced to withdraw from the Reds-Crusaders match in Brisbane on Sunday, as he continues to be frustrated by the injury, which is defying all treatment.

Walsh will be replaced by Stuart Dickinson, who was originally appointed Assistant Referee 1 for Sunday’s fixture. Nathan Pearce has been brought in as AR1.

Walsh has been given a further two weeks to get over the injury and SANZAR Game Manager, Lyndon Bray, is hopeful that he will be able to return for Rounds 17 and 18.

Bray said: “This has been very frustrating for Steve as well as for us, as his early form gave us high hopes for him throughout the competition.

“We are prepared to give Steve all the time possible to treat the injury and hope to see him back in the middle before the end of the regular season.

“Based on his recent form, Stuart Dickinson will now take the whistle for the key clash on Sunday.”