Could be worse.

Ireland’s opening game of the 2018 NatWest Six Nations away to France, will once again be refereed by Welshman Nigel Owens. The former World Rugby Referee of the Year will be assisted by Wayne Barnes and Paul Williams for that tie.

Joe Schmidt’s men will then have three home games in a row at the Aviva with Romain Poite, Glen Jackson and Wayne Barnes taking charge of their game against Italy, Wales and Scotland respectively.

Ireland’s final game against England at Twickenham sees Australian Angus Gardner take charge.

Referees & Assistants for Ireland’s Six Nations fixtures.

France vs. IRELAND – Nigel Owens (referee), Wayne Barnes (assistant 1), Paul Williams (assistant 2)
IRELAND vs. Italy – Romain Poite (referee), Pascal Gauzere (assistant 1), Matthew Carley (assistant 2)
IRELAND vs. Wales – Glen Jackson (referee), Pascal Gauzere (assistant 1), Matthew Carley (assistant 2)
IRELAND vs. Scotland – Wayne Barnes (referee), Ben O’Keeffe (assistant 1), Luke Pearace (assistant 2)
England vs. IRELAND – Angus Gardner (referee), Marius van der Westhuizen (assistant 1), Jaco Peyper (assistant 2)