The referees for the European Champions Cup semi-finals have been named

The referee appointments for the high-profile Champions Cup and Challenge Cup semi-finals were announced today (Wednesday, 11 April) following a meeting of EPCR's selection committee which is chaired by EPCR's Head of Match Officials, Joel Jutge.

The selection committee has appointed the FFR’s Romain Poite for the Champions Cup semi-final between No 1-ranked Leinster Rugby and the Scarlets at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Saturday, 21 April, with JP Doyle of the RFU taking charge of the Racing 92 v Munster Rugby clash at Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux the following day.

The first of the Challenge Cup semi-finals between last season’s defeated finalists, Gloucester Rugby, and the Newcastle Falcons at Kingsholm will be refereed by Pascal Gauzère of the FFR, while the IRFU’s John Lacey will be in the middle for the second Challenge Cup tie featuring former winners, Cardiff Blues and Pau, at the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, 21 April.

CHAMPIONS CUP SEMI-FINALS

(Kick-offs local time)

Saturday, 21 April - Leinster Rugby v Scarlets

Aviva Stadium (Dublin) 15.30

Referee: Romain Poite (FFR)

Sunday, 22 April - Racing 92 v Munster Rugby

Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux) 16.15

Referee: JP Doyle (RFU)

CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINALS

(Kick-offs local time)

Friday, 20 April - Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons

Kingsholm Stadium 19.45

Referee: Pascal Gauzère (FFR)

Saturday, 21 April - Cardiff Blues v Pau

Cardiff Arms Park 13.00

Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)

Watch episode one of the Rugby Explorer with Jim Hamilton.

Ex-Scotland international, Jim Hamilton, travels to Singapore to explore the city and find out more about the rugby scene in the Southeast Asian country. He meets up with the national team captain and several local players.