Rugby:Romain Poite will take charge of his first Heineken Cup final when Leinster meet Northampton at the Millennium Stadium later this month. Limerick's George Clancy will referee the Amlin Cup decider.

Poite could be considered something of an albatross for Irish teams in Europe this season, having officiated when both Ulster and Munster crashed out in the knockout stages.

Nevertheless, Leinster have happier memories of an official who is renowned for favouring the stronger scrummaging side after he took charge of their pool win over Saracens back in January.

Clancy, who is part of the IRB’s refereeing pool for the World Cup later in the year, will be at the helm with Harlequins meet Stade Francais at Cardiff City Stadium.