The official referee appointments for The Rugby Championship 2025 have been unveiled, providing a glimpse into who will be officiating the Southern Hemisphere`s premier international rugby competition. Among the names featuring prominently, particularly in matches involving the reigning world champions, the South Africa Springboks, is Georgia`s Nika Amashukeli.
Amashukeli, an increasingly respected figure on the international stage, has been assigned duties in three of the Springboks` six matches in the tournament. This highlights his rising stock in the officiating world and the trust placed in him for high-profile encounters.
His appointments include two roles as an Assistant Referee and one highly significant fixture where he will be the main man in charge. Fans will see him on the sideline assisting during the clash between South Africa and New Zealand on September 6th, and again as an Assistant Referee for the match between Argentina and South Africa on October 4th.
However, the most notable assignment for Amashukeli is his appointment as the Head Referee for the highly anticipated encounter between New Zealand and South Africa scheduled for September 13th. Officiating a match between these two traditional powerhouses is arguably one of the most demanding jobs in world rugby, a true “hot seat” where every decision is scrutinised by millions globally. It`s a testament to his capability that World Rugby has entrusted him with such a crucial fixture.
Interestingly, the appointments list confirms the standard practice of neutral referees handling these major international tests. As is common, no South African referee has been appointed as the head official for any of the Springboks` matches in the tournament. The opening game for South Africa against Australia on August 16th, for instance, will be refereed by experienced New Zealander Ben O`Keeffe.
Amashukeli`s busy schedule underscores his position among the elite international referees and sets the stage for potentially significant moments under his watch in the upcoming Rugby Championship.
