The Rugby Football League sends it condolences to the family and friends of Ronnie Campbell, the decorated former referee who has died at the age of 90.
His career highlight was officiating the famous 1985 Challenge Cup Final between Hull and Wigan – still widely regarded as the greatest-ever Wembley final in the competition’s long history.
During a 14-year career as a Grade One referee between 1973 and 1986, Widnes-born Campbell was one of the leading referees in the UK.
He also refereed a Premiership Final in 1984, the John Player Final in 1983 plus Yorkshire and Lancashire Cup Finals.
Campbell was in the middle for eight Test matches and more than 250 first-team games during his long career, before retiring at the compulsory age of 50 in 1986.
Ben Thaler, the RFL’s National Match Officials Manager, paid tribute and said: “Ronnie was a great character: a players’ referee, who stood no nonsense.
“He was proud of his roots originating from Widnes and not shy of his own ability.
“When once asked who the best referee he had ever seen was, he replied: ‘You’re looking at him!’
“In an era of the likes of Fred Lindop, Billy Thompson, Mick Naughton, Stan Wall and Jim Smith, Ronnie Campbell stood shoulder to shoulder with them as a leading official throughout the 1970s and ‘80s.
“He would have probably received more honours if his hometown club Widnes weren't in as many finals as they were at that time. Players liked having Ronnie officiate them and that is the biggest achievement you can ever gain as a referee.”
Campbell leaves behind his wife Johan and daughters Alison and Lynne.
His funeral will take place at Widnes Crematorium on Thursday April 30th at 10.30am.
