Neutral refs for Lions

REFEREES for the Lions Test series against South Africa this summer will come from neutral countries, the International Rugby Board confirmed yesterday.

The Lions had reportedly wanted neutral officials for the entire tour but the IRB confirmed the seven provincial games will be selected on merit, regardless of nationality.

Lions head coach Ian McGeechan was in Dubai last weekend to discuss the issue with IRB referee manager Paddy O’Brien and IRB match official selection committee chairman David Pickering.