Owens drafted in after Grand Slam controversy

WELSH referee Nigel Owens has been drafted in to replace Marius van der Westhuizen at Twickenham this weekend after the South African controversially attended an England training session this week.

The 34-year-old was at England’s Pennyhill Park training base on Tuesday, despite being scheduled to be assistant referee for tomorrow’s game against Ireland.

The practice of officials consulting at training is not uncommon, though van der Westhuizen’s presence in the England camp raised eyebrows across the Irish Sea.

World Rugby have now stood down van der Westhuizen – with Owens taking his place on the touchline – after admitting he should not have been present at Pennyhill Park.

A statement from World Rugby read: “World Rugby has confirmed that Marius van der Westhuizen will be replaced by Nigel Owens as assistant referee two for the Six Nations match between England and Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

“The decision follows Marius’ attendance at an England training session this week.

“While greater dialogue and collaboration between match officials and teams (including attending team training on request) has been agreed by World Rugby and the teams, Marius should not have been involved given that he was a member of the match official team for the weekend’s match.

“World Rugby takes responsibility for this oversight and has taken the proactive decision to stand Marius down to avoid any additional unfair and unnecessary conjecture.

Owens was due to be fourth official at the Principality Stadium for Wales’ clash against France.