Wayne Barnes has replaced Steve Walsh as the referee for next week's Wales versus Ireland Six Nations game in Cardiff.

Walsh has cited business commitments as the reason for his withdrawal from the fixture.

Barnes was the referee during Ireland's win over France last month, giving a yellow card to Pascal Pape after the lock kneed Jamie Heaslip in the back, leaving him with three fractured vertebrae.

If Ireland beat Wales on March 14th, they would be within one step of a coveted championship and Grand Slam.