World Rugby has announced that England’s Wayne Barnes will take charge of the upcoming Wales v Ireland match in the RBS 6 Nations. Barnes replaces Australia referee Steve Walsh, who has withdrawn due to business commitments.

Barnes had been appointed as assistant referee for the Italy v France match in Rome on the same day and will now be replaced in that role by Nigel Owens of Wales. 

In a further change, New Zealand match official Chris Pollock will not now be assistant referee for the Wales v Ireland game and will be replaced by Jerome Garces of France. 

The full, updated list of appointments can be found here.