Referee Kaplan rested for August Tests

TOP rugby referee Jonathan Kaplan has been rested from his August Test duties in order to maximise recovery from minor injuries sustained during a road accident last week.

The world’s most experienced Test official was due to take charge of Wales v England at the Millennium Stadium on August 13, Ireland v France at the Aviva Stadium on August 20 and was also to perform the assistant referee duties for England-Wales on August 6 at Twickenham.

Kaplan, who sustained a leg injury in the accident, will now undergo a routine rehabilitation programme to ensure that he is in optimal shape for RWC 2011 in New Zealand, which kicks off on September 9.