Wayne Barnes to referee Champions Cup final between Leinster and Racing 92

By Adam Ellis

Wayne Barnes has been selected to officiate the 2018 Champions Cup final between Leinster and Racing 92 in Bilbao.

Barnes gets the gig for May 12 at the San Mamés Stadium to take charge of the second European Cup final of his career, having refereed the all-French tie between Toulouse and Biarritz in 2010.

The EPCR have announced Barnes will be assisted by JP Doyle and Tom Foley, with Rowan Kitt as television match official.

Racing 92 were dealt the major blow on Monday that talismanic scrum-half Maxime Machenaud was out of the final and out for the rest of the season after rupturing knee ligaments.

The Parisians’ captain suffered the injury in the 39-15 victory over Bordeaux that sealed their place in the Top 14 play-offs.

“Very sad to have to announce that the season is finished for me,” Machenaud wrote on Instagram.

“I will have to stay on the sidelines for some time.”

Champions Cup Final – Leinster Rugby v Racing 92

Saturday, 12th May – San Mamés Stadium

Referee: Wayne Barnes (ENG)

Assistant referees: JP Doyle (ENG), Tom Foley (ENG)

TMO: Rowan Kitt (ENG)

Citing Commissioner: John Montgomery (SCO)

Challenge Cup Final – Cardiff Blues v Gloucester Rugby

Friday, 11th May – San Mamés Stadium

Referee: Jérome Garcès (FRA)

Assistant referees: Romain Poite (FRA), Pascal Gauzère (FRA)

TMO: Philippe Bonhoure (FRA)

Citing Commissioner: Maurizio Vancini (ITA)

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Tagged Champions Cup, Leinster, Racing 92, Wayne Barnes