France v Fiji
Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Saturday, 19 August, 2023
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
Assistant Referee 1: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
Assistant Referee 2: Federico Vedovelli (FIR)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)
In his debut match as a referee, he found himself in charge of a U12s game – an experience he openly admits he will forever hold in his memory. Reflecting on that day, he shared, “I was utterly disoriented. At one instance, I even positioned myself in the inside-center channel, momentarily forgetting my role as the referee. It was quite embarrassing, and understandably, parents were displeased. My response was an apology, coupled with an acknowledgment of it being my inaugural match. In that moment, I grasped the enormity of the challenges inherent in this profession.”
Amashukeli marked his entry onto the Test scene as a referee in 2015, officiating the opening half of the Montenegro vs. Estonia match in the European Nations Cup Third Division. His journey continued as he presided over matches at the 2019 World U20 Championship in Argentina and had the privilege of collaborating with his role model, Wayne Barnes, during the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup.
An historic milestone arrived when he became the first Georgian referee to oversee a tier one game, exemplified by his control over the Wales vs. Canada match in July 2021. Subsequently, he commanded authority in matches such as Ireland vs. Japan, Barbarians vs. Tonga, and Wales vs. Australia during the autumn internationals. His initiation into the Six Nations arena occurred last year when he officiated Ireland’s dominant victory over Italy in Dublin.
Amashukeli’s consistently remarkable performances have earned him the distinction of being selected as a referee for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, a remarkable accomplishment considering that 16 years earlier, he had watched the 2007 tournament, an event that ignited his passion for the sport he now excels in.