Referee’s Christophe Ridley and Luke Pearce have been chosen to officiate this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership semi-finals.
Ridley will be the man in the middle on Friday night, as Northampton Saints face defending champions Saracens. This will be Ridley’s second game involved with Northampton in a row, after he refereed their last game against Bath.
Elsewhere, Exeter-native Pearce will referee the clash between Bath and Sale Sharks at the Rec on Saturday afternoon. Pearce was also in charge of Sale’s last regular game of the season against Saracens.
The pair were both involved in the recent Rugby World Cup, and have both officiated in Premiership finals in the past.
Northampton romped to the top of the table following a terrific season. Phil Dowson’s men won 12 of their 18 Premiership games, and booked their home semi-final a week early.
Bath have to do it the hard way, but a huge 43-12 win over Northampton on the final day ensured they secured a home play-off for the first time since 2015.
Elsewhere on the final day, Sale Sharks faced Saracens at the StoneX, with Alex Sanderson’s men coming away with a 20-10 win to make sure of a play-off berth.
Referee appointments for Gallagher Premiership semi-finals
Northampton Saints vs Saracens
Referee: Christophe Ridley
Assistant referees: TBC
TMO: TBC
Bath Rugby vs Sale Sharks
Referee: Luke Pearce
Assistant referees: TBC
TMO: TBC
Premiership play-offs schedule
Friday 31st May
Northampton Saints vs Saracens
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Saturday 1st June
Bath Rugby vs Sale Sharks
Venue: The Rec
Kick-off: 3:30pm