By Kath 18/4/07
April 18 2007

England - Barclays Churchill Cup Ticket Information and match officials. The England Saxons first match will be against USA, at Edgeley Park (Sale) on Friday 18th May (19.45 kick off)

Barclays Churchill Cup Officials Appointed

With just under five weeks until the Barclays Churchill Cup comes to England for the first time, the tournament has confirmed the six officials who will be in charge during the nine match tournament. As part of the alliance nature of the tournament each participating nation provides one referee and the tournament aims to develop referees as well as players and coaches.

Two of the referees - Andrew Small of England and Phil Smith of Canada - have both been involved in previous tournaments, whilst it will be the first time that Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Andrew MacPherson (Scotland), Graham Bullen (USA) and George Clancey (Ireland) will be involved.

The IRB affiliated tournament kicks of on Friday 18th of May with England Saxons against USA in Stockport and is staged across the country. All six teams - England Saxons, New Zealand Maori, Scotland A, Ireland A, USA and Canada - will be in action on Finals Day at Twickenham on Saturday 2nd June.

Speaking on the appointment, the RFU's Ed Morrison, Referee Manager for the Barclays Churchill Cup said,

 "The tournament has been successful as a development tool for referees since its introduction four years ago. With the Rugby World Cup on the near horizon this year's tournament will be more competitive than ever, and it is a great opportunity for these young officials to show their obvious potential in such a high profile International tournament. "

The schedule for the officials' appointments will be announced nearer the time.  For more information about the Barclays Churchill Cup please visit www.barclayschurchillcuprugby.com

Pat Sanderson

Tickets for the two Twickenham match days (Monday 28th May England Saxons v. Scotland A and Saturday 2nd June Finals Day) are on sale from Ticketmaster now on 0870 902 0000.

For tickets and more information please see:
England Saxons v. USA at Edgeley Park (Sale) on Friday 18th May (19.45 kick off) www.salesharks.com Ticket Office: 08712 220 120

Ireland A v. Canada at Sandy Park (Exeter) on Saturday 19th May (20.00 kick off) www.exeterchiefs.co.uk Ticket Office: 01392 890890

Scotland A v. USA at Henley RFC on Wednesday 23rd May (18.00 kick off) www.henleyrugbyclub.org.uk Ticket Office: 01491 574499

New Zealand Maori v Canada at Franklin's Gardens (Northampton) on Fri 25th May(20.00kick off) www.northamptonsaints.co.uk Ticket Office:01604 581 000

New Zealand Maori v. Ireland A at Sandy Park (Exeter) on Tuesday 29th May (20.00 kick off) www.exeterchiefs.co.uk Ticket Office: 01392 890890

England Saxons v Scotland A-Twickenham Stadium, Mon 28th May (15.00 kick off) www.ticketmaster.co.uk Ticketmaster: 0870 902 0000

Barclays Churchill Cup Finals Day, Twickenham Stadium (all six teams, kick offs TBA)- Sat 2nd June www.ticketmaster.co.uk Ticketmaster: 0870 902 0000