European referees appointed

Speaking English or French? Alain Rolland

The referees for the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup semi-finals were officially announced by ERC on Monday.

Alain Rolland, who has both Irish and French lineage and speaks fluent French, seems the appropriate choice for the match between London Irish and Toulouse at Twickenham on Saturday April 26.

Welshman Nigel Owens takes charge of the tie between Saracens and Munster in Coventry on Sunday April 27.

In the Challenge Cup, the semi-finals are all-English affairs. Scotland's Peter Allan will officiate the clash between Worcester and Newcastle at Sixways on Friday April 25, and France's Christophe Berdos will take charge at the Rec on Saturday April 26, when Bath face Sale.