Referee changes in Europe
Injuries to referees Alain Rolland of Ireland and Nigel Owens of Wales have forced their withdrawals from the opening round of the European Rugby Cop’s competitions, which has led to other changes.
Rolland was to have refereed Bath versus Biarritz, Owens Clermont Auvergne versus Saracens. Their places have been taken by James Jones of Wales and Peter Allan of Scotland.
Allan was to have refereed the match between Ulster and Aironi in the Heineken Cup. His place there is taken by Chris White, one of the most famous referees of rugby history.
James Jones was to have referees Bayonne vs Harlequins in the Amlin Challenge Cup. Tim Hayes moves from the Brive-Petrarca match to Bayonne and in his place David Jones of Wales goes off to Brive.
The changed appointments are as follows:
Heineken Cup:
Pool 2:
Clermont Auvergne vs Saracens
Referee: Peter Allan (Scotland)
Pool 4:
Ulster Rugby vs Aironi
Referee: Chris White (England)
Pool 4:
Bath Rugby vs Biarritz Olympique
Referee: James Jones (Wales)
Amlin Challenge Cup:
Pool 1:
Bayonne vs Harlequins
Referee: Tim Hayes (Wales)
Pool 2:
Brive vs Petrarca
Referee: David Jones (Wales)
