Ref Whitehouse retires to join Wales coaching team

Referee Ben Whitehouse has joined the Wales coaching team ahead of the upcoming Nations Championship campaign.

Head coach Steve Tandy has added the Welsh official, who was a television match official (TMO) at the 2023 World Cup, to his staff on a full-time basis.

Whitehouse will retire from refereeing after taking charge of Saturday's United Rugby Championship (URC) derby between Ospreys and Dragons at the revamped St Helen's.

Wales previously brought him in to help with discipline and Tandy has now made a permanent appointment.

The head coach said: "His knowledge of the game from his experience officiating, not only around the laws but also in terms of communication, is hugely beneficial."

Whitehouse, son of former international referee Nigel, joins Wales for November fixtures against Japan, New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff, plus a finals weekend Test at Twickenham.

Wales have frequently brought officials into camp to help with preparations and World Cup final referee Nigel Owens was part of Warren Gatland's coaching staff for the 2024 autumn campaign.

Tandy was appointed in the summer of 2025 and has since brought in Matt Sherratt, Danny Wilson, Peter Murchie, Dan Lydiate, Paul James and Alex Davies as permanent members of his coaching team.