Irish concern after referee admits Italy blunder

IRELAND’S front row may have its work cut out at Stadio Flaminio this afternoon after Italy coach Nick Mallett revealed today’s match referee had sent a written apology to his federation following last year’s encounter.

Frenchman Romain Poite, Mallett claimed yesterday in Rome, felt compelled to contact the Italians after his handling of last year’s game at Croke Park when he penalised renowned Azzurri prop Martin Castrogiovanni four times.

“The referee admitted after last year’s game that he made a number of errors and actually wrote to the Italian union and apologised for the way he refereed Castrogiovanni in the game against Ireland,” Mallett explained.