Australian referee Scott Young will not act as a touch judge in two Pool B games on the opening weekend of Rugby World Cup 2003 after suffering a hamstring injury.
The 38 year old, who appeared as a touch judge in the opening game of the 1999 Tournament, developed the problem during the match officials’ fitness measurement session over the weekend.
Young had been named as a touch judge for both the Fiji v France at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 11 October and Scotland v Japan the following day at Townsville’s Dairy Farmers Stadium.
His replacement for both matches is Alan Lewis, the Irish referee who also acted as a touch judge at Rugby World Cup 1999 and is in fact his country’s most capped international player in cricket.
Australia’s George Ayoub has been added to the list of Rugby World Cup 2003 touch judges.
Young is then scheduled to referee France v Japan on 18 October in Townsville and the Pool D fixture between Italy and Wales at the Canberra Stadium, but it is unclear whether the Australian will be able to fulfil these appointments.
Steve Griffiths, Rugby World Cup Referees Team Manager, has said there is no prognosis at the time of writing as to when Young will be able to resume his duties.