IRISH REFEREE ALAIN Rolland will officiate the RaboDirect Pro12 clash between Leinster and Munster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening [KO 7.00pm], after an injury forced Pascal Gaüzère to withdraw.
The Frenchman had been scheduled to take charge of the inter-provincial derby, but 47-year-old Rolland will instead assume that position. The former Ireland international refereed his final international match during the recent Six Nations, as Wales defeated France 27-6 in Cardiff.
Since making his international debut in 2001, Rolland has developed into one of the most respected match officials in the game, with the 2007 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and England amongst his highlights.
Rolland is an ex-Leinster player and a Leinster Branch referee, but his suitability for this fixture is in little doubt. Pro12 organisers have confirmed that the IRFU and both Rob Penney and Matt O’Connor are in total agreement that Rolland is the best available referee for this fixture.
Rolland will fully retire from refereeing at the end of the current season.
