NEW YORK -- The lockout of Major League Soccers referees has ended following an agreement on a five-year labour contract. The Professional Referee Organization, which manages game officials for the U.S. Soccer Federation and MLS, and the Professional Soccer Referee Association, announced the agreement Thursday. Replacements had been used for the first two weekends of MLS games. The PSRA was certified by the National Labor Relations Board last May to represent referees, assistant referees and fourth officials working MLS games. The sides bargained since July, and the lockout began a day ahead of MLS openers on March 7. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service entered talks, and a tentative agreement was reached Tuesday night that was ratified by the union membership and approved by PROs executive board. "First contracts sometimes pose difficult challenges as the parties seek to define the parameters of a new formal relationship," FMCS acting director Scot L. Beckenbaugh said in a statement. The agreement runs until Jan. 15, 2019. Lucas Middlebrook, a PRSA lawyer, said the deal includes "substantially better" compensation and "a number of non-economic work rule protections such as a just-cause standard for certain disciplinary matters and standardization of fitness testing. "In addition, the officials now have a contract protecting important quality-of-life items such as travel standards, vacation time and advance notice of match assignments," he said in an email. Lanny McDonald Avalanche Jersey . He just didnt expect them to be this good. Darrun Hilliard scored 19 points to lead No. 6 Villanova to a dominating 77-59 victory over Georgetown on Saturday, preserving the Wildcats hopes of a No. Teemu Selanne Avalanche Jersey . -- Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford made it through a third straight practice without any setbacks and expects to play in Oaklands regular-season finale against San Diego. http://www.hockeyavalanche.com/authentic...che-jersey/.com) - The Hatch Attack is back in the Southern Conference. Matt Nieto Avalanche Jersey . The two were in the batting cage moments before game time. Bautista was taking final warm up cuts. Pillar was hitting soft toss. The one-time utility player turned All-Star pulled aside the clubs young, fourth outfielder and offered him some advice. Colorado Avalanche Jerseys . Nick Young scored 17 points for Los Angeles, which lost five of its last seven before trouncing the Pelicans, who beat them handily last week in New Orleans. Jodie Meeks and Xavier Henry scored 15 points apiece for the Lakers, who led by 20 points in the first half before coasting to their 12th win in their last 13 regular-season meetings with New Orleans.Wales will be without captain Sam Warburton for Sundays international against England at Twickenham, live on Sky Sports. Flanker Warburton has failed to recover from a shoulder injury but is remaining with the squad preparing for the weekend match to continue his rehab.The 27-year-old had hoped to make his return after nearly a month out - he was hurt playing for the Cardiff Blues on April 30. This weekend will be too early for him. Hes taking part in training, and hes done everything bar contact, Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde said.He is getting much stronger, feeling much better about himself, and that is evident in the way he is carrying himself and contributing to the meetings.Alun Wyn Jones could end his injury absence on Sunday, with the lock close to full fitness after an Achilles injury he suffered in March.Alun Wyn is good. He took a full part in training this morning, McBryde added. He hasnt had rugby in a long while. This game has been put in the diary in order for us to get up to speed - that intensity - before we face the All Blacks.Anybody who hasnt had that much rugby stands a good chance of being involved against England. Alun Wyn Jones is ready to face England after a lengthy absence Alun Wyn has made great strides.dddddddddddd More time is going to benefit anybody, obviously, but at some stage you are going to have to dip your toe in the water and see how you react to games.He has progressed. He has followed the medical advice, and there is no better professional than Alun Wyn Jones, and if you couple that professional attitude with the medical team that we have got.They have worked wonders with players in the past, and it just goes to show when you follow protocols, anything is possible.The game is Wales last before they head off to New Zealand for a three-Test series, the first of which takes place in Auckland on June 11. Also See: Wales unveil NZ squad Tipuric ruled out Tuilagi no-go for Australia Barnes talking points ' ' '