Scottish international referee Jim Fleming is to retire at the end of the season. The 49-yearold is Scotland's most capped referee and has controlled 40 major internationals.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan believes that the loss of Fleming will be a major blow to the sport. "We are losing the best referee Scotland has ever produced - and I don't say that lightly," said McGeechan.

"From the coaching point of view, he was the sort of referee you always wanted. He produced good games of rugby."

Fleming is one of only two referees to appear at all four World Cup tournaments to date, along with Derek Bevan.