FRANCE'S ROMAIN Poite will preside over Ireland's opening game of the 2011 Six Nations Championship against Italy at Stadio Flaminio on Saturday, February 5th. The following weekend English referee Dave Pearson will take charge of the clash with France at the Aviva Stadium, writes John O'Sullivan.

Irish coach Declan Kidney’s side will have a third Northern Hemisphere referee in succession when Wales’ Nigel Owens officiates at Murrayfield against Scotland.

South African Jonathan Kaplan and Bryce Lawrence of New Zealand will referee Ireland’s final two matches against Wales in Cardiff and England’s visit to Dublin.

Alain Rolland takes charge of the opening match in the tournament on Friday, February 4th (7.45) when Wales host England at the Millennium Stadium while the Irish official will also be the man in the middle for Italy’s trip to Murrayfield. George Clancy has been given the game between Scotland and Wales in Edinburgh.