Pearson returns for Leinster semi-final

ENGLAND’S Dave Pearson will take charge of Leinster’s Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, April 30th.

The 44-year-old official took charge of Ireland’s Six Nations Championship defeat to France in Dublin earlier this year.

Bruff’s George Clancy will preside over the semi-final between the Northampton Saints and Perpignan at stadium:mk on Sunday, May 1st. It will be his 30th Heineken Cup match, and later this year the 34-year-old will have the honour of blowing the whistle for the start of the 2011 Rugby World Cup when he takes charge of the opening fixture between hosts New Zealand and Tonga at Eden Park on September 9th.

Frenchman Romain Poite will referee Munster’s Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final against Harlequins at Thomond Park on April 30th, while Welshman Nigel Owens takes charge of the semi-final between Stade Francais and Clermont Auvergne the previous night.