Pro 12 let down by declining standard of refereeing

After a brief respite, due to the unwelcome failure to qualify for the quarter-final phase of Champions Cup action, Munster and Ulster recommence their quest to join Leinster and Connacht in securing one of the seven slots available to the Guinness Pro 12 sides in next season’s tournament.

Connacht’s harrowing one-point defeat to Grenoble in their Challenge Cup quarter final last Saturday night, after delivering yet another brilliant display of attacking rugby, means the semi-finals of this season’s European fare becomes an Irish-free zone.

Ironically Newport Gwent Dragons, currently languishing in 10th position, are the sole representatives of the Guinness Pro 12 across the two European tournaments and one fears for them in their Challenge Cup semi-final, away to a Montpellier side packed to the brim with overseas imports.