Carley in charge for semi-final

By Mark Stevens
16/5/18

JP Doyle and Matthew Carley will be the men in the middle as four sides wrestle for a date with destiny in the Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-finals.

With the regular League programme done and dusted, the eyes of the nation turn to Allianz Park and Sandy Park on Saturday afternoon for two clashes that will determine the protagonists of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final 2018.

First, Saracens take on last year’s beaten finalists Wasps at Allianz Park (kick-off 12.30pm), with Doyle taking charge of his 152nd Aviva Premiership Rugby fixture.

The Irishman will be assisted by Ian Tempest and Hamish Smales, while the officiating team is completed by Graham Hughes as TMO and Andy Blyth as citing officer.

Then, in Devon, reigning Champions Exeter Chiefs look to take another step towards retaining their crown as they host Newcastle Falcons, who came fourth and enjoyed their best regular-season finish since 1997-98, at Sandy Park (kick-off 3.30pm).

Carley will be the man in charge of proceedings in his 74th Aviva Premiership Rugby fixture, with Tom Foley and Anthony Woodthorpe installed as assistant referees.

Stuart Terheege will be the TMO while Shaun Gallagher will act as citing officer.

Saracens v Wasps

Allianz Park, 12.30pm

Referee: JP Doyle

Assistant Referees: Ian Tempest and Hamish Smales

TMO: Graham Hughes

Citing Officer: Andy Blyth

Exeter Chiefs v Newcastle Falcons

Sandy Park, 3.30pm

Referee: Matthew Carley

Assistant Referees: Tom Foley and Anthony Woodthorpe

TMO: Stuart Terheege

Citing Officer: Shaun Gallagher