THERE is one change in the Irish panel of International referees for the coming year. Leo Mayne (Munster), has been chosen in place of Alan Lewis (Leinster). And there is instant international recognition for Mayne, who has been appointed to referee the Wales v United States match in Cardiff on Saturday week.

Bertie Smith, another Munster official, was recently appointed to take charge of an international for the first time. He will officiate at the International Championship match between Scotland and Wales in Murrayfield on January 18th. The other referees on the panel, Brian Stirling, Gordon Black and Dave McHugh have all previously refereed at international level.

The Ireland panel is: Gordon Black (Leinster), Leo Mayne (Munster), Dave McHugh (Munster), Bertie Smith (Munster) and Brian Stirling (Ulster).

A former Ireland second row, Jim Glennon, the current manager of the Leinster and the Ireland under 21 teams, has been appointed manager of the Ireland under 19 team to participate in the FIRA International Tournament in Argentina in March.

The Ireland under 19 coaches will be Declan Kidney and Bart Fannin. Kidney is a former coach to the PBC Cork, Munster Schools and Ireland Schools and coached the Ireland team that won the Triple Crown in 1993. Fannin is the former Ireland Youth team coach.

. Former Wales prop Ricky Evans will make a `guest' swansong appearance for Llanelli today when they play Italy at Stradey Park.

Evans, who left Llanelli for Cardigan last month, will pull on a Scarlets jersey for the 22nd and last time.