Mathieu Raynal, a renowned international rugby referee, has announced his retirement. Raynal, who has officiated in three World Cups, will retire from refereeing international games this summer after his 50th international fixture. His decision marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned several top-flight competitions, including the Guinness M6N and Top 14. Raynal's retirement is part of a broader trend of top flight referees stepping away from the game, raising questions about the turnover rate since the France 2023 World Cup. In reflecting on his career, Raynal discussed the challenges and criticisms he faced, as well as his most memorable moments, highlighting his journey from cadet matches in Rivesaltes-Auterives to the pinnacle of rugby refereeing, including the summit between Lions and Springboks.
From Rivesaltes-Auterives as cadets, to the summit between Lions and Springboks, Matthieu Raynal looks back on his rich career as an international referee. He discusses the notion of criticism at length and recounts his best memories https://t.co/899jVSdyUU
Mathieu Raynal is the latest top flight referee to quit. A turnover is inevitable and, to a number, healthy. But there appears to have been too many since @France2023 I’m sure @WorldRugby investigate why. But if the reasons have common elements other than “I’ve done my time” …?
🇫🇷BREAKING: Mathieu Raynal will retire from rugby at the end of the season. The referee will take charge of his 50th Test match in the summer before hanging up his boots.
De Rivesaltes-Auterives en cadets, au sommet entre Lions et Springboks, Matthieu Raynal revient sur sa riche carrière d'arbitre international. Il aborde longuement la notion de critique et raconte ses meilleurs souvenirs L'entretien exclusif 👉https://t.co/oDdWLGCu9S https://t.co/K5bCXJiVb1
BREAKING: Referee Mathieu Raynal announces his retirement #GuinnessM6N #Top14 #rugby Click below for more ⤵️ https://t.co/gEu2OyKKrI
Referee Mathieu Raynal announces his retirement #GuinnessM6N #Top14 #rugby Click below for more ⤵️ https://t.co/gEu2OyKKrI
🇫🇷 NEW: Mathieu Raynal will retire from refereeing international games this summer. The Frenchman will officiate his 50th international fixture before he steps away and has been to three World Cups. #WorldRugby