Steve Walsh, a popular referee for the New Zealand Rugby Union, officially announced his resignation from the sport due to personal issues that he needs to address in order to improve his life.

According to Walsh’s family, the referee’s separation from TV presenter Melodie Robinson led to his life spiraling downwards for the past two years.

Walsh revealed last week in an interview that alcohol became his best friend in order to let go of the pressures both in work and personal life. He added that he lost the will to refuse alcohol.

The referee has been involved in several incidents for the past years. Last December, Walsh was asked to leave a conference because he turned up drunk during the occasion.

Walsh owned up to the incident saying that the night before he and some friends drank a lot and did a lot of “unacceptable” things.

According to reports, Walsh is currently in a relationship with an Australian model. There’s also an indication that he may return to the rugby world via a refereeing stint in Japan. So far no developments were announced. Walsh had officiated 35 tests and 2 Rugby World Cup events.