Referee Luke Pearce will replace Pierre Bourset as whistleman for the Six Nations Test between Ireland and Italy.
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This is because referee Bourset will be absent from the game in Dublin due to an ongoing injury.
This is the second time a French referee has missed out on a Six Nations appointment. He was originally appointed as assistant referee for last Saturday's first round match between Italy and England in Rome.
He was unable to take on the role due to a calf injury and was replaced by Nika Amashkeli on the touchline. The injury has since not healed sufficiently for Brussett to referee the upcoming Six Nations Test in Ireland.
World Rugby said in a statement: “Due to an ongoing calf injury, France's Pierre Bourset has withdrawn from Sunday's Guinness Men's Six Nations match between Ireland and Italy in Dublin.
“In place of Brusset, Luke Pearce (England), who is in charge of his 50th Test, will be the referee. The remaining members of the match official team are as announced.”
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Six Nations second leg dates:
— Scotland v France (Edinburgh, Murrayfield, Saturday 4.15pm)
— England v Wales (Twickenham, London, Saturday 6.45pm)
— Ireland v Italy (Aviva, Dublin, Sunday 5pm)
