McHugh calls Test time

News: Dave McHugh, Ireland's most capped referee with 29 Test appearances, has announced his retirement from the international scene.

McHugh made his debut in 1994 in the match between Romania and Wales, and refereed his first Five Nations Championship the following year in Paris when France played Scotland.

He also took charge in two European Cup finals and officiated in the World Cups of 1995, '99 and 2003. His final international appearance was in last Saturday's Calcutta Cup match in Murrayfield.

"Scotland against England in the Six Nations is as important a match as there is in Test rugby and I feel it is an appropriate time for me to finish," he said.

"While there is obviously a tinge of regret, I have been fortunate to have been involved for a long time, and have enjoyed it all immensely. I am particularly grateful to those who have advised and coached me along the way, and to unions throughout the world for their courtesy and friendly hospitality at all times.

"Irish refereeing has never been stronger, and to have four of us controlling matches in this year's Six Nations is a testimony to the structures which the IRFU have in place."

McHugh will now concentrate on the development, training and coaching of referees in his recently appointed position as a referee development officer with the IRFU.

Meanwhile, Irish full back Geordan Murphy, who was forced to miss last year's World Cup after breaking his leg, and who made his first venture back into rugby last weekend for Leicester, hopes to play against the Barbarians next Wednesday at Welford Road.

Murphy, who came on after eight minutes for his club, also hopes to take part in a friendly match against Northampton the following Saturday.

The full back hopes to be available for selection for the Irish team for the last two games of the Six Nations Championship.