REFEREES:The Leinster Branch of the IRFU has sent a document to all clubs, schools, colleges and universities in its jurisdiction warning them that any abuse of match officials, a trend the Branch claims is becoming more prevalent, will not be tolerated, writes John O'Sullivan.

The communiqué was drafted after the Association of Referees Leinster Branch (ARLB) expressed serious concern that there was a growing incidence of abuse of match officials across the province. The Leinster Branch has pointed out that all clubs are responsible for the behaviour of their members, players, coaches and supporters towards match officials.

The letter defines abuse as: "Individual perception of personal degradation be it mental or physical, before, during and after the game including (but not limited to) verbal or physical assault, intimidatory conduct and racial or sexual harassment."

The Branch has outlined a series of disciplinary procedures that it will follow for those that transgress. "Failure to comply can result in the player (if during the match) or the club (if members, coaches, players off the field or supporters) being brought before the Branch Disciplinary Committee.

"Sanctions include suspensions, loss of league points, fines or loss of International tickets. All the above sanctions have been handed out to different players and clubs in the recent past."

It further suggests that the official missive is placed on the notice board and in match programmes and that clubs police this aspect of the game very seriously.

Rugby has always enjoyed a good reputation as regards how referees are respected on the pitch and therefore it is hardly a surprise that the Branch has moved to ensure officials get due respect and protection.

VARSITY MATCH: Former Ireland Under-21 flanker David O'Brien was part of a strong backrow performance as Cambridge beat Oxford 15-6 in an error-strewn Varsity match at Twickenham yesterday.

Even the presence of Australia's World Cup-winning centre Joe Roff could not lift the match above the mediocre. Such was the paucity of quality rugby that a "penalty try" was in the running for the man-of-the-match award until Cambridge captain John Blaikie got his team's second five-pointer in the final minute.

ENGLAND: England director of elite rugby Rob Andrew said yesterday he expects to recommend a replacement for sacked coach Andy Robinson early next week.

"My thinking is pretty clear, I am expecting to be able to make a recommendation to the management board next Wednesday," the former England outhalf said.

"We are working on a solution which will hopefully be seen as a full-time solution."

Among those listed as possible replacements are former Springbok coach Nick Mallett, Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards and former Ireland and Wasps coach Warren Gatland. Current attack coach Brian Ashton is the bookmakers' favourite and his appointment now seems increasingly likely.

Queensland Reds coach Eddie Jones has committed himself to the Super 14 club for next season, ending speculation linking him with the England job.

FRANCE: Sebastien Chabal has put himself back in contention for a recall to the France squad - and head coach Bernard Laporte insists the number eight's international destiny is in his own hands.

The bruising back-row forward was Sale's stellar performer in their 27-16 European Cup defeat to Stade Francais on Sunday.

The former Bourgoin star has not played for his country since winning his 24th cap in the 43-8 victory over Tonga in November last year, and he was overlooked for this year's November Tests.

But Laporte has revealed the 29-year-old is back in his thinking, and wants the player to continue performing as he did against Stade. "On this match, he has put himself back in the list of 40," said the coach of Les Bleus.