Two Irish named in panel of 34

The International Rugby Board have named 34 referees from 12 countries who will join their first panel for the new millennium.

The panel, selected from a list of 60 names, includes the referees and touch judges for the 2000 Six Nations Championship, which starts in February.

Tim Gresson, chairman of the IRB's referee selection committee, said the panel reflected directions provided by the IRB Council at its October meeting.

He said: "The Referee Selection Committee is required to make its decisions on a merit basis while, at the same time, recognising the need to ensure there is an ongoing development of referees worldwide." Alan Lewis and David McHugh are the two Irish referees on the panel. Both will be in charge on the same day, March 18th, in the Six Nations' Championship when Lewis referees the Italy-England game in Rome and McHugh referees the Wales-Scotland encounter in Cardiff.

The referees for Ireland's five games are Steve Walsh jnr (New Zealand) for the opener away to England; Joel Dume (France) for the home game against Scotland; Derek Bevan (Wales) for the Italy match in Dublin; Paul Honiss (New Zealand) for the French game in Paris and Andrew Cole (Australia) for Ireland's final match at home to Wales.

The English RFU last night reaffirmed that Clive Woodward will continue as England coach until his contract expires in August.

Recent speculation has suggested that Woodward will be replaced ahead of the Six Nations Championship, with London Irish coach Dick Best. But a statement by the RFU has dismissed the talk. It read: "As far as the position of England coach is concerned, as announced in November, Clive Woodward will continue in his position.

"There will be no changes to the coaching team for the Six Nations Championship."