Irish referees to handle key ties

Irish referees are up in lights again for rounds five and six of the Heineken Cup next month, with four men on the 14-man panel.

George Clancy, Alain Rolland, Peter Fitzgibbon and John Lacey form the Irish quartet that matches four representatives from France, including the recently-promoted Pascal Gauzere, who was a controversial figure in Munster’s clash with Saracens at Thomond Park.

Munster will, however, have another controversial Frenchman in charge of round five away to Edinburgh, Romain Poite, while Englishman Wayne Barnes takes charge of the final pool game at home to Racing Metro.