ROY Marfleet is set to have the time of his life after being chosen to officiate at the Rugby World Cup.

Former Mersea Island official Marfleet is one of three Suffolk and North Essex match officials involved in the competition.

The experienced Rugby Football Union referee from Sible Hedingham has been selected as an official timekeeper at the tournament, which gets under way at Twickenham tonight.

The 58-year-old, who has been refereeing for more than 20 years, will be tasked with keeping honest time throughout the game.

He will advise the referee when the clock needs to be stopped, when the man in the middle fails to do so.

Marfleet’s first game will be the New Zealand versus Argentina clash in Group C, which takes place at Wembley on Sunday.

He will also be part of the team of officials for the France against Canada Group D clash at stadiummk on Thursday, October 1, and the South Africa against USA Group B match at the Olympic Stadium, on October 7.

Marfleet, who could also be involved in the knockout games, said: “It’s an honour to be involved in the World Cup.

“The stakes are high and I’m really looking forward to it.

“You’re talking to the referee throughout the match and the technology is very advanced.

“You’re miked up and you’ll often have to tell him that the clock must be off.

“You have to read the game and advise as much as you can.

“It’s different to being a television match official, where you’re stuck watching the game at the back of the stadium. All of the timekeepers are ex-referees.

“I appreciate the rugby but it’s difficult to always do that, because you’re concentrating so hard.”

Fellow Suffolk and North Essex match officials Darryl Chapman and Nigel Carrick will also be officiating at the tournament, as fifth and sixth officials.

Suffolk and North Essex Rugby Referees president Trevor White said: “This highlights how even a small referees society like ours can provide officials at the highest level of the game not only on a week-by-week basis but to the showcase event for our game, the Rugby World Cup.”

If you would like to become a rugby referee – and possibly officiate at a future World Cup – then join the society.

Contact Trevor White by emailing at refs@whitcom.co.uk or attend a forthcoming Monday evening training session, at Sudbury Rugby Club.

They take place on October 12, November 9, January 11 or February 8.