John Holdsworth (referee)

John Holdsworth

Holdsworth in 2020
Personal information
Born	(1947-01-25)25 January 1947 Kippax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died	17 February 2023(2023-02-17) (aged 76)
Refereeing information
Years Competition Apps 1978–95 Rugby Football League Championship 1980–93 Internationals
Source: [1] As of 17 February 2023

John Holdsworth (25 January 1947 – 17 February 2023) was a rugby league referee from Kippax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.

Career

Holdsworth took charge of matches during the 1980s and 1990s, and was the referee for Wigan's 36–14 victory over Warrington in the 1990 Challenge Cup Final during the 1989–90 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 28 April 1990.[2]

International referee

Holdsworth refereed a number of international Test matches during his career. His first international came on 20 March 1980 when England defeated Wales 17–4 at Boothferry Park in Hull.[3] His last test as a referee was at the Stade d'Albert Domec in Carcassonne, France on 21 November 1993 in a game which saw New Zealand defeat hosts France 36–11 as part of the Kiwis 1993 tour of Great Britain and France.[4]

Death

Holdsworth died on 17 February 2023, at the age of 76.[5]

References

1. "John Holdsworth - Referee Career". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
2. "Wigan's record Cup run". BBC Sport. BBC. 27 February 2004. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
3. 1980/81 European Championship - England vs Wales
4. 1993 France vs New Zealand
5. Walker, Callum (17 February 2023). "Popular former rugby league referee John Holdsworth sadly dies". Total Rugby League. Retrieved 17 February 2023.