Refs for Championship play-offs
The new European Professional Club Rugby's tournament, European Rugby Championship, starts its activities with two play-off matches between London Wasps and Stade Français this weekend. There is a second leg, and the match officials have been named for both legs.
The matches are to determine the 20th place in the championship which starts next season.
The 19 settled teams are the top six in each of England's Premiership and France's Top 14 and then the top seven in Pro 12 with at least one team from each country. The 20th place will be decided by a two-leg play-off between the seventh team in the Premiership and the seventh team in the Top 14, in this case between Wasps and Stade Français.
These two legs are crucial for the future of the two clubs, and top referees have been appointed to them – John Lacey of Ireland, who has had a splendid season in the 'big time', and vastly experienced Nigel Owens.
European Rugby Champions Cup play-offs
First Leg
London Wasps vs Stade Français at Adams Park
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Dudley Phillips (Ireland), Michael Black (Ireland)
Television match official: Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Citing commissioner: John Cole (Ireland)
Second Leg
Stade Français vs London Wasps at Stade Jean Bouin
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Ian Davies (Wales), Sean Brickell (Wales)
Television match official: Derek Bevan (Wales)
Citing commissioner: Jeff Mark (Wales)
