Alibert steps up to Super League

French referee Thierry Alibert will take the place vacated by Ashley Klein in Super League for 2009.nnThe 38-year-old Frenchman has taken charge of four Super League matches and has been refereeing in the National Leagues for the past few seasons.nnHe has agreed a one year contract to go full time to replace Klein, who resigned from the RFL earlier this week to return to Australia.nnRFL match officials director Stuart Cummings said: “Thierry has established himself as a top-level referee with high-quality domestic and international experience.nn”We believe his appointment is positive news for the RFL’s domestic competitions and the sport at world level as we seek to develop the quality of match officials in all Rugby League playing nations.nn”The appointment also highlights the career path available to all match officials and we can confirm that we will be creating another opportunity in the near future when we offer another full-time contract.”nnThe RFL say there is still a vacancy to be filled following the expansion of Super League to 14 teams.