But don’t worry, Aer Lingus might be about to save the day.
Leinster take on Zebre in the Guinness PRO12 tonight, with well-known and highly regarded referee Nigel Owens set to be on officiating duty at the RDS.
Or at least he will be if he can make it there on time, because he’s run into a little trouble with his travel arrangements from the UK this morning.
Owens revealed on Twitter that he was due to fly to Dublin from Bristol with Ryanair this morning, but was not allowed board the flight without his passport having thought that he only required a valid ID to travel.
Help @Ryanair didn't now I had to have passport to travel with u to Ireland. Stuck in Bristol Airport. refin Leinster v Zebre tonite
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015
Nightmare. Have to drive home from Bristol Airport to get my passport cos @Ryanair won't take ID like @AerLingus. Hold koff for me Leinster
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015
@Nigelrefowens Hi, as per our terms and conditions here: http://t.co/qM3fvNEUSO traveling on international route you need a valid passport.
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) February 20, 2015
Despite plenty of support from his followers, who were only too keen to rant about the airline, Owens’ appeals for help from Ryanair fell on deaf ears, much to his frustration.
@Ryanair so much for your offer of help in an emergency like you offered to do last when I had flight delays aye
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015
@Ryanair not helpful at all
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015
Shortly afterwards, however, Aer Lingus stepped in and offered to help.
We obviously have no idea of the conversation that ensued over Direct Message, here’s hoping that some sort of arrangement can be made and Nigel will make it to the RDS on time tonight.
@Nigelrefowens Oh no! That's a nightmare indeed, Nigel. You'd be welcome to join us on EI3281 departing at 0825.
— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) February 20, 2015
@AerLingus I would do but the cost is far to much to book last minute am afraid. Flying with you every flight from now on that's for sure
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015
@Nigelrefowens Please check your DMs, Nigel.
— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) February 20, 2015
If all else fails, Leinster themselves might be able to come to the rescue.
.@Nigelrefowens hang on… She's on her way… @cityjet #SOS #WeGotYourBack pic.twitter.com/FI4Nzkec8X
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 20, 2015
UPDATE: Aer Lingus have it all taken care of and they’ve got a new friend in Nigel Owens.
Massive thanks @aerlingus for sorting flight to Dublin for me from Cardiff now after RyanAir passport policy debacle pic.twitter.com/S92bzJhjOf
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015
Will get to Dublin on time now to ref Leinster v Zebre thanks to @aerlingus for their genuine help and kindess pic.twitter.com/S92bzJhjOf
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) February 20, 2015
