Roy Marfleet is having the time of his life after being chosen to officiate at the Rugby World Cup.

The experienced Rugby Football Union referee from Sible Hedingham is one of three Suffolk and North Essex match officials involved in the competition and has been selected as an official timekeeper at the tournament.

The 58-year-old, who has been refereeing for more than 20 years, is tasked with keeping honest time throughout the games he is involved in, advising the referee when the clock needs to be stopped, when the man in the middle fails to do so.

Marfleet’s first game was the New Zealand versus Argentina clash in Group C, which the All Blacks won 26-16 at Wembley on Sunday.

He will also be part of the team of officials for the France against Canada Group D clash at stadium:mk on Thursday 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.”