Silverwood future is in doubt after suspension

The career of rugby league's longest-serving full-time referee Richard Silverwood is in serious doubt after he was suspended pending an investigation for alleged inappropriate behaviour towards female Rugby Football League colleagues, writes Dave Craven.
Richard SilverwoodRichard Silverwood
Richard Silverwood

The career of rugby league’s longest-serving full-time referee Richard Silverwood is in serious doubt after he was suspended pending an investigation for alleged inappropriate behaviour towards female Rugby Football League colleagues.

Silverwood, from Mirfield, has not taken charge of a game since overseeing Hull FC’s win against Hull KR at Magic Weekend on Sunday, May 22.

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The RFL investigation stems after alleged incidents at a bar in Newcastle that night.

It is Silverwood’s third suspension, having been stopped from officiating in 2009 for a breach of the RFL’s information and technology policy, and again in 2011.

The RFL has not disclosed circumstances leading to the inquiry but the YEP understands it is due to behaviour on a night out after the culmination of Magic Weekend. Silverwood’s 2009 suspension followed an alleged leak of confidential information to a trade union, while the 2011 disciplinary procedure resulted from an “off-field incident” during a game between Huddersfield and Leeds.

Meanwhile, fellow referee Sam Ansell has also been suspended pending an investigation.

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NATHAN CONROY’S first-half drop goal proved crucial as East Leeds won 27-26 against Normanton in National Conference League Division 1.

He slotted the kick just before half-time to give the hosts a 17-10 lead and it finished being vital at the end.

Easts went 10-4 ahead after two tries from prop James Forsell, stand-off Conroy improving one of the scores.

Normanton levelled but Joel Walkin’s converted try gave them the lead once more.

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The visitors rallied again to forge 22-17 ahead before Conroy scored a try himself, tagging on the extras. Declan Tomlinson’s 65th-minute try looked to have sealed it for Easts but they were left hanging on when their opponents scored again five minutes later – but, crucially, missed the conversion.

Elsewhere, Hunslet Warriors edged their big derby with Oulton Raiders 23-16 and Milford Marlins beat Ince Rose Bridge 28-24 with help from two tries by James Barker.