In rugby, the laws are like tools, you just have to decide which one to pick up and use.

Those are the words of wisdom former Welsh international referee Clayton Thomas passed on to fast-rising official Chris Smith.

The problem is that there are a lot of tools for referees to choose from!

"A referee can make up to 7,000 decisions in any one match," said Burnley-based Smith now ranked among the top 20 rugby unions referees in the North West.

"So Clayton's words are ones I have always listened to very carefully."

Smith, now 35, has only been a referee for four years but is already a Level Four official and taking charge of National One matches.

He has refereed around the world, from Argentina to Belgium, and next month travels to South Africa to take charge of matches between some top State sides.

It is the latest rung on the ladder for the man the WRU have earmarked a Starred Referee -- an official with potential.

The Merthyr-born official has given himself five years to become a first class referee and has set his sights for the very top.

"I would love to referee a World Cup final, that has got to be any referee's dream.

"But to referee any international match would be fantastic, even if it was Botswana against Estonia!"

Smith played for Pontypool in the mid-80s but his first team appearances were limited in a league and cup winning side that boasted the famous front row of Price, Faulkner and Windsor.

But he strongly believes that more former players should take up refereeing.

"I think every player should take a refereeing course.

"It would help them learn the rules of the game and let them know exactly what they can get away with. It would improve the game.

"It would also help players empathise with referees."

Smith, who used to be a flanker, admits he was a referee's worse enemy on the pitch and stumbled across the position by chance.

"It was while I was at Calder Vale that I was asked to be a touch judge and I really enjoyed it.

"I was coaching at the time and decided to go for my referee's badge."

And he hasn't looked back.

However, Smith's meteoric rise has not been the one of a power crazy official.

"It's not my style." added Smith, a member of Manchester and District Referees Association. "I like to take charge of matches with a smile on my face. I am a players referee -- a referee with a small 'r'."

Smith admits that all referees are frustrated players but says he has got further with a whistle in his mouth than he would ever had done as a player.

And why should more former players follow in his footsteps?

"If you are a decent referee you can make an average game a good game -- you have that sort of influence.

"And after all, being a referee you have the best seat in the house!"