England vs Ireland referee, Saturday, March 9, 2024 – 16h45
- Referee : Nika Amashukeli
- Assistant Referee 1 : Andrea Piardi
- Assistant Referee 2 : Craig Evans
- TMO : Ben Whitehouse
Nika Amashukeli’s rugby refereeing journey epitomizes resilience and achievement. Joining Georgia’s referee development program in 2013, in collaboration with the IRFU, marked his initiation into officiating. Despite early challenges, including an incident where he was stabbed after a match in 2016, Nika’s determination remained steadfast.
In 2019, his standout performance at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship led to prestigious appointments in EPCR competitions, attributed to the mentorship of David McHugh, Head of Referees at the Georgian Rugby Union. Beyond officiating, Nika launched the “Rugby Laboratory” Facebook page in 2020, aimed at educating new fans about the game’s laws.
In 2021, he made history as the first Georgian referee to officiate a Tier 1 nations game, showcasing his growing reputation globally. Despite challenges like match cancellations due to COVID-19, Nika’s resolve endured.
The apex of his career arrived in 2023 when he was selected as a match official for the Rugby World Cup, underscoring his unwavering commitment and exceptional talent in rugby refereeing. With each match, Nika continues to inspire and elevate the standards of rugby officiating, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.