Joubert among refs to take charge of Ireland’s Six Nations games

WORLD CUP final referee Craig Joubert is among the officials taking charge of Ireland’s matches in the upcoming Six Nations while the IRB have kept faith with controversial Irish whistler Alain Rolland for the tournament.

South African Joubert, who was criticised by France for what they saw as pro-New Zealand bias during their 8-7 defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland 10 days ago, has been given control of Ireland’s third game of the 2012 RBS 6 Nations campaign, the home game against Italy on February 25.

Joubert will be a familiar face to Declan Kidney’s players having taken charge of Irish pool games at the World Cup against the USA and Russia as well as the quarter-final defeat by Wales.