White is first England official to take charge of Heineken Cup final

The 39-year-old former junior school teacher from Cheltenham will be the first English official to referee the major European Cup decider.

White, who took charge of the semi-final between Toulouse and Munster, has been a full-time referee since 1999 and is now a elite member of the IRB panel.

White, who retired from the game as a player at 25 with a shoulder injury, has been in charge of 18 full internationals.

"I am absolutely delighted with the appointment which is an honour and a big responsibility,'' said White.

While he is the first English referee to take charge of a Heineken Cup final, he did officiate the European Shield clash between Pau and Castres Olympique in 2000.

Top Welsh referee Nigel Williams, in charge of the Perpignan's semi-final victory over Leinster Lions 10 days ago, will referee the Parker Pen Challenge Cup final between Bath Rugby and London Wasps at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday, 25 May.

In a double-header at the Madejski Stadium, Irishman Donal Courtney will referee the Parker Pen Shield final between Caerphilly and Castres Olympique.