Dickson in charge for Cup semi-final

By Steve Grace
7/3/18

Aviva Premiership Rugby takes a backseat for the next two weeks but in its place comes the business end of the Anglo-Welsh Cup – with two semi-finals all set for this weekend.

Referee Karl Dickson is in his first season working with Aviva Premiership Rugby and will take charge of a hotly-anticipated clash on Sunday as Exeter Chiefs welcome in-form Newcastle Falcons to Sandy Park.

The Chiefs lost out 16-12 to Leicester Tigers in the Anglo-Welsh Cup Final at Twickenham Stoop last season and will hope to go one better in 2018, but need to get past Newcastle first.

Dean Richards’ Falcons are enjoying a stellar Aviva Premiership Rugby season, currently sitting fourth in the table, and have also been in excellent form in the Anglo-Welsh Cup – winning three of their four matches.

Dickson will be assisted on Sunday by Tom Foley and Robert Warburton while Geoffrey Warren will undertake TMO duties.

The weekend’s action though kicks off in the West Country on Friday night as Bath Rugby welcome Northampton Saints to the Rec, with both teams in the hunt for a place in the Anglo-Welsh Cup Final.

Both sides finished top of their pools in the competition but Bath are so far the only unbeaten team in this year’s Anglo-Welsh Cup, having won all four of their Pool One matches.

Friday’s opponents are both coming off the back of defeat in the League, with Bath losing to Harlequins on Sunday and Northampton being defeated by Sale Sharks on Saturday – both will be looking to bounce back here.

That fixture will be overseen by Welshman Adam Jones in the middle, with assistant referees Wayne Davies and Gareth John forming his team.

To buy tickets to this season’s Anglo-Welsh Cup Final at Kingsholm Stadium on Sunday 18 May visit www.new-heroes.com

Friday 9 March

Bath Rugby v Northampton Saints (The Rec, 7.45pm) Live on BT Sport

Referee: Adam Jones

Assistant Referees: Wayne Davies & Gareth John

TMO: Jon Mason

Citing Officer: Paul Hull

Sunday 11 March

Exeter Chiefs v Newcastle Falcons (Sandy Park, 1pm) Live on BT Sport

Referee: Karl Dickson

Assistant Referees: Tom Foley & Robert Warburton

TMO: Geoffrey Warren

Citing Officer: John Byett