Owens to referee Leinster-Munster semi

Welshman Nigel Owens has been appointed to referee the Leinster-Munster Magner’s League semi-final, following Brian O’Driscoll’s request that he be chosen.

Owens, who earlier this week was appointed to the new position of National Academy Referee Coach by the Welsh Rugby Union, refereed his first international game in Osaka in 2005 when Japan hosted Ireland.

Limerick man George Clancy will take charge of the first semi-final between the Ospreys and Glasgow Warriors at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea, on Friday night (kick-off 7.05pm).

MAGNERS LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS - MATCH OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS:

Friday, May 14.

Ospreys v Glasgow Warriors, Liberty Stadium, 7.05pm (live Setanta Sports Ireland/BBC Wales)

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Assistant Referees: Dudley Phillips, Leo Colgan (both Ireland)

Television Match Official: Bertie Smith (Ireland)

Saturday, May 15.

LEINSTER v MUNSTER, the RDS, 8pm (live Setanta Sports Ireland/S4C)

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Assistant Referees: James Jones, Nigel Whitehouse (both Wales)

Television Match Official: Hugh Watkins (Wales)