Referees named for Ireland’s rugby World Cup season

CHRIS WHITE, who was involved in the controversial conclusion to the Italy-Wales clash during this season’s Six Nations, will referee Ireland’s Rugby World Cup game against hosts France on September 21.

Welsh players were angered during that game when White blew for full time after James Hook kicked for touch, as they believed they had time for a line-out. The referee subsequently apologised to the Welsh for causing confusion about the amount of time remaining.

French official Joel Jutge handles Ireland’s opening game against Namibia on September 9 in Bordeaux, while Wayne Barnes of England will referee the game against Georgia on Saturday September 15. New Zealander Paul Honiss will take charge of the vital group game against Argentina on September 30 in Paris.