ALAIN COLM ROLLAND (Ireland)
Alain Rolland is a poacher turned gamekeeper - the first Test player since 1973 to become an international referee. Moreover, he is the only person to have both played and refereed in the Heineken Cup. Irish born, but fluent in French he is building on a strong World Cup and developing into one of the most respected officials in the game. As with all good referees, his first outing with a whistle came in an emergency situation. Unlike many of the world's leading officials Alain is a part time professional referee while holding down a full-time job . Oh, yes, and he also has three children under the age of five
ercrugby continues the popular Whistle Blowers series with an in depth look at Alain Colm Rolland, click here for the full feature