Jonathan Kaplan, rugby’s most experienced Test referee, will retire at the end of the 2013 season.
The South African Rugby Union says the 46-year-old Kaplan will leave after 21 years on South Africa’s elite referee panel.
Kaplan has taken charge of a record 68 Tests and refereed more Super rugby (99) and Currie Cup (150) matches than anyone else.
Kaplan said on Tuesday “rugby has been my life for the past few decades and I’ve made the decision with a tinge of sadness. But the time has come to move on.”
The South African officiated at four World Cups, in three Super rugby finals and five Currie Cup finals.
He will be the first man to referee 100 Super rugby games when the Cheetahs play the Sharks on February 23.