Rhubarb and wood chippings

Hi, i have just replanted my rhubarb patch as it was in the place i wanted to put my chicken shed. I have dug about half the patch up and split the large crowns and replanted them in two different areas on the plot and left half where it was (i think ive done this bit correct because i was shown how to by a more experienced plot holder). What i want know is can i use wood chippings (which ive got access to for free and was going to use on paths) as a weed supreser on the new rhubarb patches? i have had conflicting advise from some of the people on my allotments some say it would be a good idea as they will eventually rot and feed the rhubarb and some say no as it could harbour insects which may eat the young shoots as they grow. what is the opinion of the experts on this forum? thanks matt.