6N: the watchdogs

Six Nations rugby have announced the citing commissioners for the last two weeks of the 2011 Six Nations for both Seniors and Under-20s.

The independent Citing Commissioners have  48 hours from the end of a match in which to cite any incidents, i.e. report any incidents of foul play in a match which they thought worthy of a red card and hence of a hearing by the Six Nations disciplinary authorities.

All hearings, as a result of red cards issued during matches or citings after matches, will be conducted before an independent three-man Six Nations Disciplinary Committee chosen from the Six Nations Disciplinary Panel. The hearings generally take place on the Tuesday or Wednesday following the weekend to allow for any appeals to be heard before the next round of matches.

In addition there are anti-doping measures. As in previous years random drug testing will take place at 6 Nations Senior, Under-20 and Women's Championship matches plus any "A" internationals being played.

Citing commissioners appointed

Six Nations Seniors

Week 4

Italy vs France: Alan Mansell (England)
Wales vs Ireland: Alberto Recaldini (Italy)
England vs Scotland: Russell Howell (Wales)

Week 5

Scotland vs Italy: John Byett (England)
Ireland vs England: Jean-Claude Legendre (France)
France vs Wales: Murray Whyte (Ireland)

Under-20

Of the citing commissioners appointed, Wade Dooley played lock for England from 1985 to 1993 and Francis Palmade was one of the world's top Test referees in the 1980s.

Week 4

Italy vs France: Wade Dooley (England)
Wales vs Ireland: Rob Flockhart (Scotland)
England vs Scotland: Francis Palmade (France)

Week 5

Scotland vs Italy: Ray Wilton (Wales)
Ireland vs England: Paul Minto (Scotland)
France vs Wales: John Cole (Ireland)