Commenting on the IRB's latest panel member, Owen Doyle, who is the IRFU Director of Referee Development, said: "This is indeed a very proud moment for Irish rugby. George has worked tremendously hard on his game and it is just reward for him to receive this accolade.

"We are delighted to have three referees on the IRB Referee Panel and we are sure George will have a very successful career ahead."

George himself said: "I am really delighted to be selected on the International Referee Panel. It is the ultimate honour to reach this level and I would like to thank Owen Doyle and the Referee Development Department for their assistance over the years in helping me fulfil my ambition.

"The development structures that are in place have helped me progress through the ranks to where I am now."

George will begin his summer appointments with the glamour fixture between England and the Barbarians in Twickenham before jetting out to South Africa to referee the Springboks' summer Test against Italy. We wish him well.

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