The IRB has confirmed neutral referees will officiate the British and Irish Lions Test series against South Africa.
South African officials ruled out of Lions Test matches
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has confirmed neutral referees will be appointed to officiate the British and Irish Lions Test series against South Africa this summer.
Lions head coach Ian McGeechan had reportedly wanted neutral officials for the entire tour but the IRB has now said the seven provincial games will be selected on merit, regardless of nationality.
"We shared a very positive meeting with management from both teams and discussed the selection criteria for the three Test matches," said IRB referee manager Paddy O'Brien.
"All agreed that the most appropriate policy is the appointment of neutral referees from within the IRB high performance referee panel.
"It was also agreed that the referee appointments for the seven additional provincial tour matches will be made by the IRB from the panel regardless of nationality and will be merit-based."
The IRB will finalise the referees and touch judges for the tour at a meeting in Dublin over the weekend of April 25-26.
