ULSTER’S OPENING HEINEKEN Cup fixture of the season against the Leicester Tigers at Ravenhill on the 11th of October will be refereed by Romain Poite.
The Frenchman was at the centre of controversy recently when he yellow carded Bismarck du Plessis for a tackle on Dan Carter in New Zealand’s Rugby Championship win over South Africa.
Poite takes charge of one of the most eagerly-anticipated clashes in the opening round of the European club tournament, with a win for Ulster already looking vital.
Meanwhile, Munster’s trip to Edinburgh the following day will see Englishman JP Doyle in charge, while Leinster’s clash away to the Ospreys will be adjudicated by the experienced Wayne Barnes. Connacht have drawn Frenchman Pascal Gauzère for their home tie against Saracens on the Friday night.
In Round 2, the western province face Zebre away on Saturday the 19th of October, with Ian Davies of Wales in charge. The same day, Leinster host Top 14 champions Castres, featuring Greg Garner of England on the whistle.
Ulster travel to take on the ever-improving Montpellier in the second round, drawing Leighton Hodges for that fixture. The Welshman showed Munster four yellow cards in their loss to Treviso last weekend.
Finally, Munster welcome Gloucester to Thomond Park the same day and Jerome Garces of France will be the man in the middle.
