Owens handed HEC whistle

Welsh referee Nigel Owens has been appointed to officiate this season's Heineken Cup Final between Leicester and Leinster.

Welsh referee Nigel Owens has been appointed to officiate this season's Heineken Cup Final between Leinster and Leicester at Murrayfield.

The May 23 fixture will see Owens taking charge of Europe's remaining two once again after holding the whistle last term. He is also the third official to referee in more than one final.

Tournament organisers ERC also announced that Irishman George Clancy will referee the European Challenge Cup Final between Bourgoin and Northampton on the previous day at Twickenham Stoop.

Heineken Cup Final – Saturday, May 23

Leicester Tigers v Leinster, 17.00 BST at Murrayfield Stadium
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
4th Official: Christophe Berdos (France)

European Challenge Cup Final – Friday, May 22

Northampton Saints v Bourgoin, 19.45 BST at Twickenham Stoop
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
4th Official: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)