Walsh for Super Twickenham
Steve Walsh of Australia, who refereed the match between Scotland and Ireland on Saturday, will referee the Super 15 match between the Crusaders of New Zealand and the Sharks of South Africa at Twickenham on Sunday.
Garratt Williamson of New Zealand was originally appointed to the match when it was scheduled to be played in New Zealand. But the match was switched from earthquaked Christchurch to Twickenham.
SANZAR Game Manager, Lyndon Bray, said: “With Steve already in the United Kingdom it made sense to revise the match appointments rather than fly Garratt over for one match.”
Bray said SANZAR had requested the RFU to assist with the appointment of a support team for Walsh and top referee Wayne Barnes and assistant referee specialist Stuart Terheege appointed as assistant referees and top referee Dave Pearson as television match official.
Bray said: “The RFU were extremely accommodating at short notice. Appropriate SANZAR match protocols will be in place and all aspects relating to the match officials will be managed according to what the teams are accustomed to in Super Rugby.”
The fixture, which will support the Christchurch earthquake relief efforts, kicks off at 16.00 (GMT) on Sunday.