Rugby League referee Chris Leatherbarrow dies at 26

THE RFL have confirmed the death of referee Chris Leatherbarrow.
Referee Chris Leatherbarrow with Leigh Centurions and  Featherstone Rovers captains Martyn Ridyard and Paul Sykes.Referee Chris Leatherbarrow with Leigh Centurions and  Featherstone Rovers captains Martyn Ridyard and Paul Sykes.
Referee Chris Leatherbarrow with Leigh Centurions and Featherstone Rovers captains Martyn Ridyard and Paul Sykes.

The 26-year-old, from St Helens, leaves a four-year-old daughter Daisy and partner Nicola.

Details have not been revealed, but RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: “We are all truly shocked and saddened by the news of Chris Leatherbarrow’s untimely death.

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“This is a dreadful tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with Chris’ family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.”

Leatherbarrow refereed regularly in the lower divisions, but had also been in charge of Super League matches involving Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.