CLANCY’S BIG CHALLENGE

He is a dyed-in-the-wool hurling man who’s made rapid strides through the tiers of rugby refereeing. Ahead of tonight’s European Challenge Cup final, George Clancy spoke to COLM O’CONNOR

FOR a few days at least, John Hayes will be nudged into second spot in Bruff RFC’s list of favourite sons. George Clancy achieves that honour when he referees tonight’s European Challenge Cup final between Northampton Saints and Bourgoin at the Twickenham Stoop (7.45pm).

As with Grand Slam winner Hayes, Clancy was a late convert to the oval code with the rural Limerick club.