Warburton warns ref Rolland

SAM WARBURTON reckons referee Alain Rolland is in for a “tough” return to Wales.

The Irish official is still blamed for wrecking Welsh World Cup hopes after he controversially sent off Dragons skipper Warburton in the semi-final.

Now he must run the gauntlet of hate when he takes charge of the Scarlets’ Heineken Cup tie against Northampton on Saturday. Warburton insists he has no hard feelings but admits Welsh fans may be less forgiving.

He said: “I think it will be hard for him (Rolland). Welsh people love their rugby and are not likely to forget about what happened. I know he was just doing his job but I’m sure there will be people buying tickets, purely because he is refereeing the game. I hope that doesn’t detract from what is a big game.”

Rolland faced a torrent of criticism from pundits and former players after he showed Warburton a red card for tip-tackling France wing Vincent Clerc, just 18 minutes into the semi-final at Auckland.