Referees confirmed for opening Heineken Champions Cup games

Wayne Barnes is in the middle in Paris as Connacht travel to Racing

Referee Pascal Gauzere during the Nations Cup clash between England and Ireland last weekend. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

France's Pascal Gauzere will referee Munster's Heineken Champions Cup opener against Harlequins next month, European rugby officials have announced.

The French whistler, who officiated Ireland's loss to England last weekend, will take charge of the December 13 clash at Thomond Park which will see former Munster forward Jerry Flannery return in his coaching role with the English side.