England vs France referee stabbed on the field during game

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France kicked off their Six Nations campaign in ruthless fashion last weekend, dismantling Wales with ease. Now, they return to the Allianz Stadium, where memories of last year’s 53-10 demolition of England remain fresh.

After a bruising defeat in Dublin, Steve Borthwick’s men are desperate for a response – but all eyes will also be on the referee.

Born in Tbilisi in 1994, Nika Amashukeli didn’t always dream of rugby. A football fan as a child, he was first introduced to the sport at 11 when his father "literally forced" him to watch Ireland vs Georgia at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. From that moment, he was hooked.

Amashukeli represented Georgia at U17, U18 and U19 levels but was forced to retire at 20 after suffering five concussions, a broken ankle, and a serious knee injury. Instead of walking away from the game, he switched to refereeing and never looked back.

His rise was rapid. After making his Test debut in 2015, he refereed at the 2019 World U20 Championship and worked alongside his idol Wayne Barnes during the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup. By 2021, he had become the first Georgian to officiate a tier-one Test when he took charge of Wales vs Canada.

Amashukeli’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2016, while refereeing a top-tier match in Georgia, a misunderstanding over timekeeping led to furious protests from one of the teams.

“When the supporters saw their players getting emotional, they became very emotional and started swearing,” he told 

The Telegraph.

What happened next was shocking. As chaos erupted, Amashukeli was attacked and stabbed in the leg, losing a significant amount of blood.

“I looked down, blood was pouring out. I had been stabbed,” he recalled.

The perpetrator was never found, and the traumatic incident nearly ended his career. However, after a period of reflection, he decided to continue officiating and has since established himself as one of the top referees in world rugby.

Amashukeli isn’t afraid to make big calls. He made headlines last year when he showed Owen Farrell a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Taine Basham during England’s World Cup warm-up match against Wales.

The decision was upgraded to a red via the TMO bunker, sparking a major disciplinary saga that eventually saw Farrell receive a four-match ban.

Now, Amashukeli will be in charge of one of the biggest games of the Six Nations. England vs France at Twickenham – expect fireworks.

In a recent Q&A, Dupont revealed the players he considers his toughest opponents. When asked about the stars he respects most, he didn’t hesitate: “There are lots of good players around these days. Beauden Barrett, Faf de Klerk, Owen Farrell to name a few.”

Let’s break down why these three have earned Dupont’s respect and what makes them such formidable foes.

If there’s one player who can keep even Dupont on edge, it’s Beauden Barrett. The All Black speedster isn’t just one of the fastest players in world rugby—his rugby IQ is through the roof. Whether he’s playing at fly-half or full-back, Barrett’s ability to read the game and create space is second to none.

With over 100 international caps and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards to his name, Barrett has built a legacy of dominance. His blistering acceleration and silky offloads make him a nightmare to defend against, and Dupont knows better than most how lethal he can be.

Capacity to turn a match on its head? Unlimited. Location? Usually ghosting through defensive lines before anyone realises he’s gone.

South Africa’s Faf de Klerk may be one of the smallest players on the pitch, but his impact is colossal. The 5’7” scrum-half is a relentless defensive disruptor, always snapping at the heels of opposing playmakers. His lightning-quick service, fearless tackling, and tactical kicking make him a constant threat.

Dupont has clashed with De Klerk on the biggest stages, and he knows just how effective the Springbok livewire can be. Whether it’s frustrating opponents with his defensive reads or launching pinpoint box kicks, De Klerk embodies the physical, high-energy style that has made South Africa a dominant force.

When the Boks lifted the 2019 Rugby World Cup, De Klerk was at the heart of their success, proving that size means nothing when you’ve got heart, skill, and a relentless motor.

Few players bring the same level of intensity to a match as Owen Farrell. England’s former captain and all-time top points scorer is known for his unshakable leadership, aggressive defence, and ruthless game management.

Farrell’s presence on the pitch is imposing—whether he’s smashing into tackles, dictating play with his boot, or barking instructions to his teammates. He’s a player who thrives in high-pressure moments, and Dupont has had to navigate that fire more than once.

With over 100 caps for England, a Rugby World Cup final appearance, and multiple Six Nations titles to his name, Farrell’s track record speaks for itself. He’s a master of the dark arts of defence, and Dupont knows that when Farrell is in the opposition lineup, it’s going to be a battle.

For Dupont to name these three as his toughest opponents says a lot. Each of them has tested him in different ways—whether it’s Barrett’s speed, De Klerk’s defensive chaos, or Farrell’s brutal physicality. But if there’s one thing we know about Dupont, it’s that he relishes a challenge. And with players like these keeping him on his toes, his greatness is only being sharpened further.

From thrilling tries to hard-fought battles against the All Blacks, this squad etched their names in rugby history by securing a memorable drawn series.

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