The Emirates World Rugby Match Officials for the men’s international window in November have been selected. Thirty referees will take charge of 41 men’s international matches, with officials from thirteen nations represented among the 64 chosen.
Notably, Reuben Keane from Australia and Jeremy Rozier from France will make their Test debuts during the November international window. During this period, 30 referees from 12 countries will oversee 36 Test matches and five other representative games.
Men’s Emirates World Rugby High Performance Match Officials Selectors Chairman Brett Robinson emphasized the importance of developing a broader team of match officials as part of the preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2031 in the USA.
“As we build towards Rugby World Cup 2031 in the USA via an expanded Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia and the new Nations Cup, we continue to be focused on developing a broader team of match officials. With a new match officiating strategy and high-performance system, deeper collaboration across unions and competitions, the evolution is reflected in this selection. Congratulations to all,” said Robinson.
Additionally, Australia's Angus Gardner has been selected to officiate the highly anticipated England versus New Zealand match on November 2 in London, while Nic Berry, also from Australia, is scheduled to referee the November 8 game between Ireland and the All Blacks in Dublin.
World Rugby High Performance 15s Match Official Manager Joël Jutge added that the focus is on resetting the relationship with coaches, implementing a new performance structure, and enhancing clarity across the game throughout 2024.
“Throughout 2024, we have been focusing on resetting the relationship with coaches, embedding a new performance structure, and driving clarity across the game.
“With law amendments, law trials, and a revised Television Match Official process to contend with, I am proud of how the team has responded. November is the next step for us to give experience to a wider team with an eye on Rugby World Cup 2031 in the USA,” said Jutge.
Jordan Way from Australia will officiate the opening match between Japan and New Zealand in Yokohama on 26 October. Andrea Piardi from Italy will referee the final match between Ireland and Australia in Dublin on 30 November.
Key Matches and Referees
The November international window features several high-profile matches, including:
- England v New Zealand (November 2): Angus Gardner (Australia)
- Ireland v New Zealand (November 8): Nic Berry (Australia)
- England v Australia (November 9): Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
- Scotland v South Africa (November 10): Christophe Ridley (England)
- England v South Africa (November 16): Andrew Brace (Ireland)
- France v New Zealand (November 16): Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
- Wales v South Africa (November 23): Karl Dickson (England)
- Italy v New Zealand (November 30): Pierre Brousset (Italy)
Women Referees Leading the Way
The appointments also highlight the increasing prominence of women in rugby officiating. Hollie Davidson (Scotland) will referee two Test matches, including the Ireland v Fiji clash on November 23. Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa) will serve as an assistant referee for three games, including the Georgia v All Blacks XV encounter on November 10.
A Look at the South African Appointments
The Springboks’ three Tests against Scotland, England and Wales will be officiated by Christophe Ridley, Andrew Brace, and Karl Dickson respectively. These referees have all previously refereed Tests involving the Springboks during the year.
Morne Ferreira, a South African match official, will make his first Test appearance abroad, officiating the Spain v Fiji match in Valladolid. He has also been appointed as an assistant referee in four Tests, including France v Argentina in Paris.
Three more South African match officials, Quinton Immelman, Marius Jonker and Marius van der Westhuizen, will be part of the TMO panel for the Test window.
A Look at the Ireland Appointments
The match officials for Ireland’s November internationals have also been announced. The games will be played at the Aviva Stadium against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, and Australia.
- Ireland v New Zealand (November 8): Nic Berry (Australia)
- Ireland v Argentina (November 15): Paul Williams (New Zealand)
- Ireland v Fiji (November 23): Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
- Ireland v Australia (November 30): Andrea Piardi (Italy)
The Future of Rugby Officiating
The November international window presents an opportunity for World Rugby to further develop its match officials and prepare for the upcoming Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2031. By giving experience to a wider team, World Rugby is ensuring that the next generation of referees is ready to take on the challenges of international rugby.
The Game's Afoot
With the referees appointed and the fixtures announced, rugby fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the November international window. This window promises to be a thrilling spectacle, filled with intense competition and exciting rugby. Get ready for some spectacular tries, bone-crunching tackles, and nail-biting finishes.
