Cockerill and his mouth...

LEICESTER TIGERS Head Coach Richard Cockerill was yesterday suspended for four weeks after pleading guilty to two offences of match official abuse during the LV= Cup match against Newport Gwent Dragons on November 14.

Cockerill is banned from any involvement with the Leicester Tigers team or match officials on game day and from coaching mini, midi and youth rugby on Sundays until December 23.

He was also fined £2,000.

Referee hits 50th Test Landmark

RFU Elite Referee Chris White will take charge of his 50th test match when Scotland line up against Fiji at Murrayfield this weekend.

In a 14-year international career, Cheltenham born White has officiated at three Rugby World Cup's including taking charge of the New Zealand v Australia semi-final in 2003.

White first picked up a whistle at the tender age of 17 when he wasn't allowed to play on a Saturday due to school trials and in the pub the night before he was persuaded to be the referee for the Cheltenham Saracens 3rd XV fixture the next day.

A centre for Cheltenham Grammar, Cheltenham Saracens, Cheltenham RFC he went on to play at Swansea University after previously representing Gloucester Schools at U16 and U18 levels. His first game as an international official came in November 1995 when Italy hosted South Africa and his test debut as a referee took place two and a half years later when Georgia faced Russia.

White went on to act as touch judge in another 63 test matches and as a referee in three Heineken Cup finals including Munster's win at the Millennium Stadium in 2006, 2 Premiership finals and 1 Tetley's Bitter Cup final. He has currently been in charge of more Premiership matches than any other referee.

White said: "I am looking forward to the game this weekend very much. I'm grateful for the immense support I have received from so many colleagues in so many places and roles over the years.

"I have been very fortunate to have witnessed many wonderful occasions and have been privileged to be on the field with the best players in the world. I am still enjoying all aspects of refereeing and I'm looking forward to the kick off at Murrayfield."

IRB International Referee Manager Paddy O' Brien said: "Chris has been an outstanding contributor to international refereeing over the last 12 years and I would like to congratulate him on his 50th international.

"It is not just what Chris brings to the field of play but just as important is the respect and experience he brings to the international panel that has been a hallmark of a wonderful career. I will be at the match on Saturday and I'm looking forward to another excellent performance."

Pumas make an early appearance at Twickenham

The Argentine Rugby Union team, the Pumas, are making the most of their time in and around Twickenham Stadium next week.

As they prepare for their game against England at the stadium on November 14, the Pumas will be making a personal appearance at the Rugby Store at Twickenham Stadium on November 12 from 2pm-4.30pm.

Rugby fans and Puma supporters are invited to come along, meet the team and get their autographs in the store on the main concourse.

Well known players such as Gonzalo Tiesi, Juan Martin Fenandex Lobbe and Rodrigo Roncero will all be present thanks to their sponsor adidas who have organised the session.

Andy Ward of the RFU said: “It's fantastic that even in a busy Test week, the Pumas are taking some time to meet the fans.

"We are hoping that parents will be able to bring their children on the way home from school to drop in and meet the players who will grace the field on the Saturday. This is a rare opportunity and one we are grateful to Adidas for organising.”