Australian official Angus Gardner is the man in the middle for the Six Nations decider between Ireland and France in Dublin – and he’s no stranger to high-pressure games or controversy.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Who is Angus Gardner?
Born in Sydney in 1984, Angus Gardner grew up dreaming of playing rugby, but a hereditary disc condition called Scheuermann’s Disease cut his playing days short. Doctors told him to take up fishing instead, but a teacher suggested refereeing – and the rest is history.
Gardner picked up the whistle at just 15 and worked his way through the ranks, making his Test debut in 2011 when he officiated Papua New Guinea vs. Vanuatu in the Oceania Cup. His Super Rugby debut followed a year later, taking charge of Queensland Reds vs. Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium.
His breakthrough moment came in 2018 when he refereed the Super Rugby final and was crowned World Rugby Referee of the Year. Since then, he’s officiated at two Rugby World Cups, including last year’s Argentina vs. New Zealand semi-final at the Stade de France.
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France ‘screwed’
Gardner is no stranger to controversy, especially in France’s eyes. During the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Les Bleus edged Argentina 23-21 in their Pool C opener, but French players were furious with his officiating.
Skipper Guilhem Guirado accused the Aussie of letting the Pumas bend the scrum laws, claiming: “We worked for weeks not to engage early… and the referee didn’t say much.”
Prop Jefferson Poirot was even more blunt: “We got screwed.”
The fallout saw Gardner quietly removed from his assistant referee duties for Argentina vs. England later in the tournament, with Ben O’Keeffe stepping in.
Rassie’s early-hours phone call
It’s not just France who’ve taken issue with Gardner. In 2018, South Africa’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, went rogue after two Rugby Championship defeats with Gardner in charge.
Ignoring World Rugby protocols, Erasmus fired off emails demanding explanations – and even reportedly phoned Gardner in the early hours, according to The Times.
World Rugby weren’t impressed, and Erasmus was reprimanded – three years before his infamous Lions tour rant against Nic Berry earned him a ban.
Now, Gardner finds himself in the spotlight again as the man in the middle for the Six Nations decider. Let’s hope for his sake that the post-match headlines aren’t about him this time…
Round 4: 8-9 March
Ireland v France
Referee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
ARs: Matthew Carley (Eng) & Christophe Ridley (Eng)
TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)
FPRO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)
Scotland v Wales
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
ARs: Nic Berry (Aus) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Tual Trainini (Fra)
England v Italy
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire)
ARs: Craig Evans (Wal) & Luc Ramos (Fra)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
FPRO: Mike Adamson (Sco)
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Bookies Predict the Lions XV to Face Australia – Two England Players Start
Bookmakers have released their predictions for the British & Irish Lions’ starting XV to face Australia in the 2025 tour, highlighting a squad dominated by Irish talent and featuring only one English starter.
The anticipated lineup, along with the latest odds for each position, is as follows:
Forwards
1. Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/2
A converted loosehead prop who started his career as a tighthead, Porter is a cornerstone of Ireland’s pack with his powerful scrummaging and relentless work rate around the pitch.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 3/10
One of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, Sheehan offers explosive ball-carrying ability and strong set-piece play. He has become a key figure in Ireland’s recent successes.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 8/13
Arguably the best tighthead prop in the game, Furlong is known for his scrummaging dominance and remarkable skills in open play, often moving like a back despite his size.
4. Maro Itoje (England) – 1/5
The only Englishman in the starting XV, Itoje is a world-class lock with exceptional athleticism, lineout expertise, and a knack for disrupting opposition attacks. A Lions veteran, he’ll be vital for the tour.
5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 1/2
A rising star in Irish rugby, McCarthy has made a huge impact with his physicality and work rate in Leinster’s second row. He’s quickly becoming a dominant force in European rugby.
6. Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
The 2022 World Player of the Year, Van der Flier is an outstanding openside flanker with relentless tackling, breakdown skills, and an ability to pop up in crucial moments.
7. Ben Earl (England) – 4/9
England’s standout forward in recent tournaments, Earl’s dynamic ball-carrying, high work rate, and speed make him a perfect fit for the Lions’ back row.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/4
One of the best No.8s in world rugby, Doris combines intelligence, strength, and leadership. His ball-carrying ability and defensive prowess make him an essential selection.
