Former Harlequins scrum-half Karl Dickson is to become a professional referee following his retirement from playing.
Dickson, 34, brought an end to his playing career on the completion of Quins' Aviva Premiership campaign.
He began refereeing qualifications more than three years ago and the Rugby Football Union announced that he will join their professional game match officials team in July.
Dickson has refereed two Premiership A League semi-finals while he also took charge of the Championship clash between London Irish and Richmond in December.
"Over the last two years, any time that I have had - a free Saturday or Sunday, or even during the week - I would referee as many games as possible to get as much practice as I could," he said.
"It is an exciting new challenge. I've been part of a rugby team for so long and now get to keep that team environment, but with a different group.
"It will be different for me, but it is very exciting."
Former international referee Tony Spreadbury, the RFU's match officials chief, added: "I have been impressed by Karl's commitment, his attitude and his desire to go all the way in refereeing.
"His experience at scrum-half means he understands and has a good connection with both forward and back play.
"We think he is an exciting prospect, and has the skills to progress up the ladder.
"It is great that he has chosen refereeing as a post-playing career and took the initiative to qualify before retiring.
"We hope that he will be a role model for others."