Kelvin Deaker, one of the world's top referees, has announced his retirement from all rugby at the age of 43.

His retirement comes after 13 seasons of top refereeing that included 23 Tests since his first in 2001, Japan against Wales in Tokyo.

Deaker officiated at the Rugby World Cups of 2003 and 2007, refereed 41 Super rugby matches and 91 representative matches in New Zealand. He refereed in the Six Nations and in 1999 he refereed the Final of New Zealand's NPC between Auckland and Wellington. In all he refereed 177 first class matches.

Lyndon Bray, himself recently retired from top refereeing and now New Zealand's high performance referee manager, said: "Kelvin has an outstanding record, both as a first-class referee in our Air New Zealand Cup and Rebel Sport Super 14, and also as a Test referee.

"He is one of our squad's greatest team players and will be sorely missed by his peers. We all wish Kelvin the best of luck with his new career and hope to see him back supporting referees in the future."

On his retirement, Deaker said: "I have had a fantastic time with rugby and to have been given the opportunity to officiate in matches on grounds around the world that I had only previously seen on TV will leave many fond memories.

"It has been great to be part of our national game for so long. However the time is right to stand aside and get back into a life outside of rugby where you work during the week and then have the weekends with family and friends."