Mirfield-based Super League match official Richard Silverwood has called time on his 15-year career as a referee.

The Rugby Football League had suspended Silverwood following the Super League Magic Weekend in Newcastle in May and completed an investigation into an incident which left the referee facing a charge of alleged 'inappropriate behaviour'.

The 40-year-old had taken charge of over 400 Super League games in his career including the 2010, 2012 and 2013 Grand Finals and World Club Challenge final between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm in 2013.

Silverwood has also refereed three Challenge Cup finals in 2006 at Twickenham when Huddersfield Giants were beaten 42-14 by St Helens, and 2010 and 2012 at Wembley Stadium, as well as over 50 Challenge Cup games.

Silverwood, who was Rugby League’s longest-serving full-time referee, became Super League’s youngest official when he took charge of his first game between Salford and Halifax in 2001, at the age of 24.

Internationally, Silverwood has a wealth of experience of Four Nations, Anzac Tests and European Championship games and refereed the 2013 World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand at Old Trafford.

Silverwood, who also recently stood down as head coach of amateur outfit Mirfield Stags, said: “I have had an outstanding career as a referee.

“I have no regrets, but I am now looking to the next chapter of my career.”

RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer added: “We would like to thank Richard for his contribution as a referee at the sports highest level over the past decade and a half.”