Warrington-based referee Karl Kirkpatrick, who decided to stay with his job in banking rather than to go full time, has told the Rugby Football League he is to retire with immediate effect.

Kirkpatrick, who controlled the 2004 Challenge Cup final and last October's engage Super League Grand Final, was the notable omission when the League unveiled their panel of six full-time referees earlier this year.

RFL match officials director Stuart Cummings said: ‚"Karl Kirkpatrick has enjoyed a very successful career as a grade-one match official, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him as well as wishing him all the very best for the future.‚"

Kirkpatrick, who has been linked with a switch to rugby union, has been restricted to matches involving National League clubs this year.