Romain Bardet claimed his first ever stage win on yesterday’s 18th stage of the Tour de France as Chris Froome maintained his commanding advantage to move a step closer to a second title in Paris on Sunday.

Former international referee Alain Rolland feels technology in rugby has gone too far.

Poland’s Rafal Majka was thrilled with his second victory of the 2014 Tour de France as Vincenzo Nibali further enhanced his hold on the race leader’s yellow jersey after stage 17.

Italy's Vincenzo Nibali launched a late attack to win stage two of the Tour de France in Sheffield today and claim the race leader's yellow jersey.

Hard to believe, but it’s 25 years since David Elleray, the Harrow headmaster who spent his Saturdays admonishing a very different class of brat, was wired for sound for ITV’s World In Action programme on a First Division game between Millwall and Arsenal at the old Den.

There may not be any Irish teams running out in Cardiff later today, but Ireland will be represented by referee Alain Rolland and assistant referee George Clancy in the 19th Heineken Cup final.

Leinster 22 Munster 18

Leinster 22 Munster 18

After the game, Cork Constitution made a presentation to Alain Rolland, and then it was over.

Disappointing yes, but not the end of the world.

Reigning champions Wales put their RBS 6 Nations title bid back on track with a Millennium Stadium mauling of France that ended Les Bleus’ Grand Slam hopes.

Reigning champions Wales put their RBS 6 Nations title bid back on track with a Millennium Stadium mauling of France that ended Les Bleus’ Grand Slam hopes.

Fair play to Alan Quinlan on RTÉ for criticising crucial decisions against Munster by referee Alain Rolland in the Jan 3 game against Ulster at Ravenhill, despite the presenter interrupting.

Ulster 29 Munster 19

Irish referee Alain Rolland’s final international before retirement will be a repeat of the infamous 2011 World Cup semi-final between Wales and France when he controversially sent off Sam Warburton.

Johnny Sexton was not the only recipient at the annual Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards, held in Dublin last night.

Wales’ long wait to claim the major southern hemisphere scalp they crave continues – but only after an heroic display in a ferocious Test match of brutal intensity at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales captain Sam Warburton has played down the appointment of Irishman Alain Rolland to referee Saturday’s Millennium Stadium showdown against South Africa.

At the end of the current rugby season, Irish rugby will say goodbye to a long time servant of the game.

It may be an all-French affair when ASM Clermont Auvergne and Toulon clash at the Aviva Stadium this evening in the 18th Heineken Cup final, but there will be no escaping an Irish tinge to events in Dublin.

Another gripping weekend of European rugby knockout games is upon us.

Full Jack (Marcel Rolland/Alexis Acker) finished full of running to claim France’s version of the Grand National — the Group 3 Prix du President de la Republique at Auteuil yesterday.

Castres 8 Ulster 9

Irish referees are up in lights again for rounds five and six of the Heineken Cup next month, with four men on the 14-man panel.

Glasgow 6 Castres 9

Referee Alain Rolland was wrong not to allow Australia to make a late substitution and finish their match against South Africa with 15 men, the International Rugby Board (IRB) said hours after backing the officials’ original decision.

Tour de France leader Bradley Wiggins believes the sabotage of stage 14 yesterday – when tacks on the road caused a number of punctures in the peloton – showed how vulnerable riders are on the road and more severe incidents could yet occur.

A counter attack from yellow jersey Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky colleague Chris Froome saw them move into first and second place overall after stage 11 of the Tour de France as the race entered the high Alps.

Wales 30 Barbarians 21

So, the French have their tails up while the Irish find themselves navel-gazing after a third straight defeat against the Welsh.

One thing players can’t throw at referee Alain Rolland — what would you know, you never even played the game. The former scrum-half talks Warburton, crooked scrums and respect with his former international colleague.

Top referee Alain Rolland has thanked Wales captain Sam Warburton for his public backing in the wake of the World Cup sending off that derailed the Welsh challenge in New Zealand last October.

Scarlets 17 Northampton 29

SAM WARBURTON reckons referee Alain Rolland is in for a “tough” return to Wales.

CONTROVERSIAL World Cup official Alain Rolland will receive no special treatment when he returns to Wales to referee the Scarlets’ crunch Heineken Cup encounter with Northampton Saints.

IRELAND referee Alain Rolland can expect a red-hot reception when he takes charge of the Heineken Cup clash between Scarlets and Northampton Saints next month.

I NCONSISTENCY surrounding the issuing of yellow cards is fast becoming an issue in the Heineken Cup and impacting on the performance and results of teams across the board.

Castres lock forward Matthias Rolland tells Ian Moriarty why the French side are no longer prepared to make up the numbers at Europe’s top table

ALAIN ROLLAND would send off Sam Warburton again if the Welsh captain, or any other player, committed another spear tackle during a game he was officiating.

SAM WARBURTON has admitted he got it wrong and insists there will be no hard feelings towards Alain Rolland after the Irish referee sent him off in the World Cup semi-final.

Wales World Cup captain Sam Warburton admits that the tackle that saw him sent off in their semi-final defeat to France was “uglier” than he had thought, and that referee Alain Rolland was correct to show him a red card.

WORLD CUP final referee Craig Joubert is among the officials taking charge of Ireland’s matches in the upcoming Six Nations while the IRB have kept faith with controversial Irish whistler Alain Rolland for the tournament.

Controversial World Cup referee Alain Rolland has been spared any involvement in Wales’ RBS 6 Nations campaign.

Former Irish fly-half Tony Ward has defended under-fire referee Alain Rolland in the wake of Saturday’s controversial red card incident.