Doyle to ref Munster Europe clash with Toulouse

The referee appointments for what promises to be a high-powered series of Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarter-final matches have been announced following the meeting of a selection committee chaired by EPCR's Head of Match Officials, Joel Jutge.

The Champions Cup knockout stage will get underway at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 1 April with the clash of previous tournament winners, Leinster Rugby and Wasps, which will be refereed by Nigel Owens of Wales.

Later the same day, England's JP Doyle will take charge of another showdown between former champions when Munster Rugby go head-to-head with Toulouse at Thomond Park.

On Sunday, 2 April, Jerome Garces of France will be in the middle for the meeting of holders, Saracens, and knockout stage first-timers, Glasgow Warriors, while England's Wayne Barnes of England has been appointed for the all-TOP 14 confrontation between number one seeds, ASM Clermont Auvergne, and RC Toulon at Stade Marcel-Michelin.

The quarter-finals weekend kicks off on Friday, 31 March with the first of the Challenge Cup ties between Edinburgh Rugby and La Rochelle at BT Murrayfield where England's Luke Pearce will be in charge.

The following day's games between Bath Rugby and Brive, and Gloucester Rugby and Cardiff Blues, will be refereed by Italy's Marius Mitrea and France's Pascal Gauzere respectively.

Matthew Carley of England has been appointed for the last tie of the weekend on Sunday, 2 April between Challenge Cup number one seeds, Ospreys, and Stade Francais Paris at the Principality Stadium.

Champions Cup and Challenge Cup semi-finals: 21/22/23 April

2017 Challenge Cup final: Friday, 12 May; BT Murrayfield (20.00)

2017 Champions Cup final: Saturday, 13 May; BT Murrayfield (17.00)