3 Aug 2011

Kaplan rested from matches this month

6:25 am on 3 August 2011

The South African rugby 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 against England at the Millennium Stadium next week, Ireland against France on the 20th and was also to perform the Assistant Referee duties for England versus Wales this weekend 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 9th.