London, Oct.5 (ANI): England's World Cup quarter-final against France will be controlled by a referee who has a history of drink problems.
Kiwi official Steve Walsh is also remembered as the official who was banned for three days after an almighty touchline row with fitness coach Dave Reddin at the 2003 World Cup.
He received a much longer ban - four months - for verbally abusing Irish winger Shane Horgan during a Lions match in New Zealand two years later.
And, according to The Sun, he was sacked by the New Zealand Rugby Union two years ago when he turned up at an international referees conference drunk after an all-night session.
News of his dismissal came through just as he was preparing to take charge of Ireland's Grand Slam clincher against Wales in March 2009. He was pulled off that game at the last minute.
Walsh, 39, had already received several warnings about his boozing.
But when he was asked to leave the conference because he was 'under the influence', that proved the final straw.
Walsh headed to Sydney to try to rebuild his life and joined the Australian equivalent of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Now, he says he has not had a drink for more than two years.
After taking jobs as a labourer and a van driver to make ends meet, he returned to refereeing in the Super 14.
He has proved himself sufficiently to be involved in his third World Cup - but this time representing Australia. (ANI)
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