Owens to referee Munster’s Saints clash

WELSHMAN Nigel Owens renews his close relationship with Munster in the competition when he takes charge of the Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with Northampton Saints at Thomond Park on Saturday, April 10.

Owens refereed Munster’s last three matches in their successful campaign in 2008 and on many other occasions as well.

Two Irish referees, Alan Lewis and George Clancy, have had their ability recognised with two other quarter-finals. Lewis handles the Sunday game between Toulouse and Stade Francais in Toulouse and Bruff man Clancy takes charge of the Saturday game involving Biarritz and the Ospreys.

England’s Dave Pearson has been appointed to the Leinster v Clermont Auvergne game at the RDS on Friday, April 9.

Heineken Cup quarter-finals: (all kick-offs local time):

Friday, 9 April

Leinster v ASM Clermont Auvergne, RDS, 8pm Referee: Dave Pearson (RFU).

Saturday, 10 April

Biarritz Olympique v Ospreys, Estadio Anoeta, 4pm, Referee: George Clancy (IRFU).

Munster v Northampton Saints, Thomond Park, 5.30pm Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU).

Sunday, 11 April 2010

Toulouse v Stade Français, Le Stadium, 5.30pm, Referee: Alan Lewis (IRFU).