Irishman Rolland to ref European Cup final

Ireland's Alain Rolland will referee the European Cup final between French Top 14 rivals Clermont and Toulon, organisers European Club Rugby (ERC) said Tuesday. The final takes place at Dublin's Lansdowne Road on May 18. Bilingual Rolland, whose father is French, will be making a record 72nd appearance in European club competition with the whistle. He is well used to officiating at the highest level having already taken charge of the 2007 World Cup final between South Africa and England as well as a semi-final in 2011. He was also in charge of Toulon's 24-12 semi-final victory over Saracens and the 2004 final when Wasps defeated Toulouse 27-20. Rolland will be assisted by touch judges Wayne Barnes of England and Ireland's George Clancy. The Challenge Cup final between Leinster and Stade Francais a day earlier at the Royal Dublin Society stadium will be officiated by Welshman Nigel Owens with his countrymen Leighton Hodges and Ian Davies running the lines. From: AFP