WARRINGTON rugby league official Karl Kirkpatrick has brought his refereeing days to an end just one month into the 2007 season.

Kirkpatrick took charge of October's Super League Grand Final between St Helens and Hull - the second time he had refereed the biggest game in British rugby league.

But the 42-year-old, who also previously took charge of a Challenge Cup Final, did not become one of six full-time referees this year because he did not want to give up his job with Bank of Scotland Corporate.

Despite staying part time, the 42-year-old was expected to remain as one of Super League's top referees this year before a possible retirement at the end of the season.

But he has not taken charge of a single Super League game in the first four rounds of the season, instead officiating at three Northern Rail Cup games.

The final match of his career was Rochdale Hornets' 16-6 win at home to Oldham Roughyeds on Sunday.

The RFL's match officials director, Stuart Cummings, said: "Karl Kirkpatrick has enjoyed a very successful career as a grade one match official and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him as well as wishing him all the very best for the future."