Match officials confirmed for URC final

Andrea Piardi will make United Rugby Championship history on Friday night after being appointed to referee a fourth consecutive Grand Final.

The Italian official will take charge of the showpiece clash between Leinster and the Bulls at Croke Park, becoming the first referee to oversee four straight URC finals.

His latest appointment comes ahead of a final that will be a repeat of last year’s clash. Leinster are seeking to retain their title they won with a 32-7 win over the Bulls last year, while the Pretoria outfit are aiming to win the URC for the first time despite making three of the previous four finals.

Piardi will be assisted by Welsh officials Adam Jones and Ben Breakspear, while fellow Italian Matteo Liperini has been appointed TMO.

The build-up has been complicated by injury concerns in the Leinster camp. Head coach Leo Cullen confirmed that captain Caelan Doris and hooker Dan Sheehan will continue to be assessed this week, with decisions on their availability expected closer to kick-off.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Leinster

36 - 7

Full-time

Bulls

All Stats and Data

There was less encouraging news regarding Andrew Porter, with the influential loosehead ruled out of the decider. Leinster also remain without several longer-term absentees, including Ryan Baird, Jack Boyle, Will Connors, Hugh Cooney, Charlie Tector and Paddy McCarthy.