GORDON BLACE, a newcomer to Ireland's international panel of referees, will make his full international debut when he takes charge of the Wales versus Italy international in Cardiff on January 20th.
David McHugh, who made his international debut last season and officiated during the World Cup in South Africa, will referee the International Championship match between France and England in Paris, also on January 20th. He was named provisionally last week to referee the European Cup final between Cardiff and Toulouse in Cardiff next Sunday, but the appointment was, of course, subject to no Ireland side being involved in the final. That appointment has now been confirmed.
The most experienced member of Ireland's five man panel, Brian Stirling, will officiate at the championship match between Wales and France in Cardiff on March 16th.
The other members of the Ireland panel are Alan Lewis and Bertie Smith. Like Black, Smith is a newcomer to this level. He and Black replace Owen Doyle and Stephen llilditch, both of whom have now retired.
Black, who is a 44 years old bank official, has been a senior referee since 1982.
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