It is being reported that top Irish referee Chris Busby is set to retire from rugby in the near future.
The news which was broken by Murray Kinsella of the 42 comes in the wake of Mack Hansen's suspension earlier on Thursday, with the Connacht wing being handed down a three-match ban for his comments after Connacht's URC loss to Leinster in December.
While Ulster-based referee Busby is scheduled to take charge of the sideline for two of the upcoming Six Nations games, it is now uncertain whether he'll fulfil those taskings.
Busby found himself at the centre of a media storm when Mack Hansen criticised the quality of officiating in Connacht and Leinster's Christmas InterPro. Hansen was suspended on Thursday morning and ordered to apologise to Busby, but will be available for the Six Nations.
It also took a number of weeks for the independent disciplinary panel to convene owing to the Christmas period - a delay which is believed to have been a bone of contention among referees who already feel under-supported.
READ ALSO: Predicting The Ireland 23 To Take On England In Four Weeks
READ ALSO: Embattled Etzebeth Launches Staunch Defence Of Champions Cup Amid South Africa Issues
Hansen incident believed to be factor in Chris Busby retirement
According to Murray Kinsella, Busby's decision is multifaceted and driven by personal reasons in the most part, although the Mack Hansen incident is believed to have been the tipping point in Busby making the decision.
The levels of toxic online abuse referees and their families are subjected to is also said to have impacted Busby's decision.
Mere hours before the reports on Busby broke, Mack Hansen issued an apology for his comments revealing that his emotions got the better of him on the day.
People know I always wear my heart on my sleeve. However, after the Leinster game my emotions got the better of me.
I want to offer an apology to the match officials for any distress my comments may have received.
Busby's decision comes at a time when the refereeing community feels under-supported in the face of a lack of respect from players, managers and supporters.
Should he retire the news will come as a crushing blow to the IRFU for whom Busby is one of their most senior referees and one of just three officials set to take part in the Six Nations.
SEE ALSO: Jim Hamilton Makes Massive Sam Prendergast Lions Claim
