Steve Walsh took charge of 53 Tests in his refereeing career © Getty Images

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Veteran referee Steve Walsh has retired with immediate effect, the 43-year-old whistle-blower calling time on his 18-year Super Rugby career to pursue personal business interests.

Walsh made the announcement via an Australian Rugby Union press release on Friday morning, saying it would be unfair to continue when he wasn't completely focused on officiating.

"I have lived my dream and I am truly grateful for every experience that I have had in rugby. It's been an incredible journey," Walsh said. "I would be doing all of the key stakeholders in the game - from officials to the players to the fans - an injustice if I was unable to 100 per cent channel my energies and devote my full attention towards refereeing Super Rugby and Test Matches. I would not want my new focus to impact the integrity of the competitions I am involved in.

"I will be forever indebted to Australian Rugby for including me so openly following a difficult period for me personally. I would also like to acknowledge my time with New Zealand Rugby. Their decision to end my contract in 2009 was challenging, but was ultimately the best thing has ever happened in my life. It made me confront who I was and how I carried myself."

ARU chief executive Bill Pulver paid tribute to Walsh, saying the 60-Test official had shown great respect and integrity for the game in making the decision to retire.

"On behalf of everyone at the ARU, I would like to wish Steve all the best in his future endeavours. His departure is a big loss to Australian rugby and the game globally, but we fully respect Steve's decision to pursue his own personal dreams and wish him well. In making this significant decision, Steve has displayed a strong level of integrity and respect for the game.

"Steve has been a terrific ambassador for Australian rugby - whether it be at Six Nations games on the other side of the world, in the spotlight officiating World Cup games or refereeing Super Rugby fixtures - living the core values of our sport day in, day out and inspiring the next generation of match officials in this country. We now look forward to continuing to support the development of our next tier of match officials to reach and hopefully exceed the levels attained by Steve through his career."