The returned this weekend but with one notable absentee.

After a distinguished career that spanned well over two decades, Mathieu Raynal decided to hang up his whistle after last year's July international window.

Throughout his time as a man in the middle, Raynal oversaw a whopping eight Six Nations Championships, but it was his final one before retirement last year that saw the most fireworks go off.

It came during a meeting between and Italy last spring, with Raynal involved in a spat with assistant coach Neil Jenkins.

Stunned by the question, Raynal replied: "No, your job is to bring the water on."

Jenkins, not one to back down, hit straight back with: "Your job is to ref the game!"

The two continued to go at each other, with Raynal adding: "That's the second time you've spoken to me. You can't do that again."

The Welsh coach didn't let up, stating: "Blue nine, blue nine, high tackle. Our staff are saying it. Blue nine, high tackle."

Wales continued to struggle in the Wooden Spoon decider, with Gatland and co. going into the break 11-0 down, before eventually losing 24-21.

Raynal's absence from this year's Championship will at least save Jenkins from any frosty confrontations.

Commenting on his retirement, the Frenchman said last year: "This sport has given me a lot and refereeing it at the highest level for all these years has been a privilege and a great honour.

"After 18 years in the professional game and almost 350 games refereed, the end of the season will be time to bring to an end an activity which I have deeply loved and which has given me unforgettable experiences on pitches all around the world.

"Even if I had the power to do so, I would not change anything in my journey to this point, including, above all, the most difficult moments.

"Those moments awoke me to the limitless power of courage, fortitude and resilience and they also allowed me to enjoy the good times with even greater relish and intensity."

The action continues next weekend when Italy welcome Wales, England host France and Ireland travel to Scotland.