- Garcès and Barnes confirmed as referees for Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals
- Owens and Lacey to referee Challenge Cup semi-finals
The match official appointments for the high-profile Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup semi-finals have been announced. The EPCR’s selection committee, chaired by Head of Match Officials, Joel Jutge, confirmed that Jérome Garcès of France will referee the semi-final clash of Saracens and Munster Rugby at the Ricoh Arena, and that England’s Wayne Barnes will take charge of the second semi-final between holders, Leinster Rugby, and Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium. Saracens are using the Ricoh Arena as their designated home ground for such fixtures as the capacity at Allianz Park is not high enough.
The Committee also unveiled the Challenge Cup semi-finals as well. La Rochelle against Sale Sharks will be refereed by Nigel Owens of Wales, while Ireland’s John Lacey will be in the middle for the second Challenge Cup tie featuring former tournament winners, ASM Clermont Auvergne and Harlequins, at Stade Marcel-Michelin later the same evening.
Both finals will be played at Newcastle’s St James’ Park in May 2019. Tickets and information are available here.
HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP SEMI-FINALS
Saracens v Munster Rugby
Ricoh Arena (Coventry), Saturday 20 April, 15.00
Referee: Jérome Garcès (Fra)
ARs: Romain Poite (Fra) & Mathieu Raynal (Fra)
TMO: Philippe Bonhoure (Fra)
Leinster Rugby v Toulouse
Aviva Stadium (Dublin), Sunday 21 April, 15.15
Referee: Wayne Barnes (Eng)
ARs: Luke Pearce (Eng) & Matthew Carley (Eng)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (Eng)
CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINALS
La Rochelle v Sale Sharks
Stade Marcel Delfandre, Saturday 20 April, 18.30
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wal)
ARs: Ben Whitehouse (Wal) & Ian Davies (Wal)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ire)
ASM Clermont Auvergne v Harlequins
Stade Marcel-Michelin, Saturday 20 April, 21.00
Referee: John Lacey (Ire)
ARs: Andrew Brace (Ire) & George Clancy (Ire)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ire)
All kick off times are local times
