Andrew Brace stood down from Champions Cup appointment following online abuse

The abusive messages were directed at Welsh-born Brace after he posted an obituary to his father on social media.

Referee Andrew Brace during the 2019 Champions Cup clash between Sale Sharks vs La Rochelle. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

The IRFU's top referee will sit out this weekend's Champions Cup opening round after receiving a torrent of abuse on social media after his officiating in last Sunday's Autumn Nations Cup final between England and France.

Andrew Brace was due to take charge as defending champions Exeter Chiefs travel to France to take on Toulouse.