Jonathan Kaplan to be rested from August Tests

Referee Jonathan Kaplan has been rested from his August Test duties in order to maximise recovery from minor injuries sustained during a road accident last week.
 
The world's most experienced Test Referee was due to take charge of Wales versus England at the Millennium Stadium on August 13, Ireland versus France at the Aviva Stadium on August 20 and was also to perform the Assistant Referee duties for England versus Wales on August 6 at Twickenham.
 
Kaplan, who sustained a leg injury in the accident, will now undergo a routine rehabilitation programme to ensure that he is in optimal shape for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand, which kicks off on September 9.
 
IRB Referee Manager Paddy O’Brien said: “Jonathan is an exceptionally fit Referee and he will be fully ready for the start of Rugby World Cup."
 
"Rather than rush him back to action, we took the decision to give Jonathan the best possible environment to return to peak fitness and conditioning ahead of the Tournament."
 
“The rehabilitation programme is underway and Jonathan is scheduled to referee the final two rounds of the Currie Cup to get match time ahead of Rugby World Cup. I would like to wish him a speedy recovery."
 
Kaplan will be replaced by Ireland’s Alain Rolland for Wales versus England, with John Lacey replacing Rolland as Assistant Referee. South Africa’s Craig Joubert will now take charge of Ireland versus France with Ireland’s George Clancy stepping up to perform Assistant Referee duties for England versus Wales.