Missing out on a spot among 12 referees at the Rugby World Cup has prompted Glen Jackson to consider his future with the whistle.
While the official list by World Cup hasn't been announced yet, Jackson revealed to South African publication Sport 24 that he was overlooked for the team of whistlers.
The news came as a big shock to Jackson, who was named New Zealand's 2018 Referee of the Year.
Jackson said going to the World Cup was a goal, but his goals had now changed somewhat, after learning he would not officiate at his second World Cup, after appearing at the 2015 event in England.
"My goals have changed a bit after missing out," he explained. "It was refereeing at the World Cup.
"Now I would love to do another year of Super Rugby. The aim is to carry on for one more year and then possibly get into coaching, whether it be of the referees or in a rugby team."
Jackson refereed four games during the 2015 World Cup in England and was a touch judge for five more.
Reports suggest New Zealanders Ben O'Keefe and Paul Williams wil be named for the showpiece event.
"I had hoped to be heading to the World Cup in Japan later this year, but I already know that I won't be," Jackson added. "It's a tough one for me, but we have got a couple of Kiwis going and I hope they do well.
"When it comes to selection, they [World Rugby] decide who they want there."
French quartet Jerome Garces, Romain Poite, Mathieu Raynal and Pascal Gauzere are expected to be named, alongside South African Jaco Peyper, Australia duo Nic Berry and Angus Gardner, while Nigel Owens (Wales), Luke Pearce (England), Wayne Barnes (England) should round off those selected.
Before picking up the whistle, Jackson played first-five for the NZ Māori, Chiefs and Bay of Plenty, until he retired in 2010.
He said refereeing was something he was always passionate about.
"I feel privileged that I have been refereeing for nine years now and it has been an enjoyable time in the middle.
"Even when I was still playing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, refereeing was something I always thought about, because I liked the idea of staying involved in rugby.
"As a referee, you have to be very self-reliant, but you are still part of this wonderful game. It was a good move for me and something I have enjoyed."
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