URC, Round Eight - match official appointments

NEWS: The match official appointments for the United Rugby Championship Round Eight fixtures have been confirmed.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

Ulster v Munster

(Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast - Kick-off: 19.35 ; 19.35 GMT)

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

Assistant referees: Andrew Cole (Ireland), Sam Holt (Ireland)

TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21

Benetton v Zebre

(Stadio Monigo, Treviso - Kick-off: 14.00; 13.00 GMT)

Referee: Federico Vedovelli (Italy)

Assistant referees: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy), Alex Frasson (Italy)

TMO: Stefano Penne (Italy)

Stormers v Lions

(Cape Town stadium - Kick-off: 15,45; 13.45 GMT)

Referee: Christopher Allison (South Africa)

Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)

TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)

Sharks v Bulls

(Kings Park, Durban - Kick-off: 18.00; 16.00 GMT)

Referee: Morné Ferreira (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Griffin Colby (South Africa)

TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)

Ospreys v Scarlets

(Swansea Stadium - Kick-off: 17.15; 17.15 GMT)

Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)

Assistant referees: Ben Connor (Wales), Adam Jones (Wales)

TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)

Leinster v Connacht

(Lansdowne Road, Dublin - Kick-off: 17.30; 17.30 GMT)

Referee: Chris Busby (Ireland)

Assistant referees: Peter Martin (Ireland), Stuart Gaffikin (Ireland)

TMO: Mark Patton (Ireland)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22

Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh

(Hampden Park, Glasgow - Kick-off: 15.00; 15.00 GMT)

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)

Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Ru Campbell (Scotland)

TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

Dragons v Cardiff

(Rodney Parade, Newport - Kick-off: 17.15; 17.15 GMT)

Referee: Adam Jones (Wales)

Assistant referees: Ben Breakspear (Wales), Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

TMO: Keith David (Wales)