New Zealand vs South Africa referee was stabbed after game

Thursday, 11 September 2025 at 13:31

byRugby Rucker

The New Zealand vs South Africa referee have been confirmed for this weekend’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash in Wellington.

The blockbuster meeting between the All Blacks and the Springboks will be overseen by Nika Amashukeli, a Georgian referee whose extraordinary journey includes one of the most shocking stories in rugby — the day he was stabbed after a game.

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From Georgian hopeful to whistle wizard

Born in Tbilisi in 1994, Amashukeli looked set for a promising playing career. He represented Georgia at age-grade level, turning out at under-17, under-18 and under-19. A versatile player, he covered flanker, inside centre and outside centre, but his progress was halted by repeated injuries. By 20, after five concussions, a broken ankle and knee damage, his body forced him to give up the dream of playing. That’s when he turned to refereeing.

Whistling his way to the top

Amashukeli’s rise with the whistle was meteoric. By 2015 he was already taking charge of international fixtures, quickly building a reputation across Europe. In 2021, he became the first Georgian to referee a Tier 1 international when Wales hosted Canada. Just a year later, he broke new ground again by becoming the first official from a so-called Tier 2 nation to feature in the Six Nations.

At the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, he officiated key pool stage matches including Ireland v Romania, England v Japan and Australia v Portugal. His calm control and authority under pressure made him one of the breakout referees of the tournament.

Stabbed on duty

But the most shocking chapter of his journey came back in 2016. While refereeing a heated domestic match in Georgia between Armia and Batumi, Amashukeli was confronted by a furious club official after the final whistle. The situation turned violent, and the young referee was stabbed in the leg.

The incident could have ended his career before it truly began, but instead it became a defining moment. Rather than stepping away from the game, Amashukeli used the ordeal to fuel his determination. The story of the New Zealand vs South Africa referee who was stabbed after a game has since become a symbol of his resilience and commitment to rugby.

A long way from Tbilisi to Wellington

Now, in 2025, Amashukeli has reached the pinnacle. He will referee one of the sport’s greatest rivalries — the All Blacks against the Springboks at Sky Stadium in Wellington. From being attacked in Georgia to commanding respect on the global stage, his journey is one of the most remarkable in modern rugby.

When the two giants collide on Saturday, the whistle will be in safe hands with the New Zealand vs South Africa referee.

Castle Lager Rugby Championship

Saturday, 13 September 2025

New Zealand vs South Africa at Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand - 09h05
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (RA), Jordan Way (RA)
Television Match Official: Eric Gauzins (FFR)
Split Screen/FPRO: Brett Cronan (RA)

Australia vs Argentina at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia - 06h00
Referee: Christophe Ridley (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (NZRU), Sam Grove-White (SRU)
Television Match Official: Glenn Newman (NZR)
Split Screen/FPRO: Mike Adamson (SRU)

Women's Rugby World Cup Quarter-finals

Saturday, 13 September 2025

New Zealand vs South Africa at Sandy Park, Exeter - 14h00
Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Ella Goldsmith (RA), Kat Roche (USA)
Television Match Official: Rachel Horton (RA)
Split Screen/FPRO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

Canada vs Australia at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol - 17h00
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
Assistant Referees: Lauren Jenner (FIR), Holly Wood (RFU)
Television Match Official: Leo Colgan (IRFU)
Split Screen/FPRO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)

Sunday, 14 September 2025

France vs Ireland at Sandy Park, Exeter - 14h00
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron
Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR), Natarsha Ganley (NZR)
Television Match Official: Ian Tempest (RFU)
Split Screen/FPRO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)

England vs Scotland at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol - 17h00
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR)
Assistant Referees: Clara Munarini (FIR), Amber Stamp-Dunstan (WRU)
Television Match Official: Quinton Immelman
Split Screen/FPRO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

Pacific Nations Cup

Sunday, 14 September 2025

Samoa vs USA at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Denver, CO, USA - 20h35
Referee: Damian Schneider (UAR)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU), Craig Evans (WRU)
Television Match Official: Marius van der Westhuizen
Split Screen/FPRO: Tual Trainini (FFR)

Tonga vs Japan at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Denver, CO, USA - 23h35
Referee: Luc Ramos (FFR)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU), Robin Kaluziak (RC)
Television Match Official: Tual Trainini (FFR)
Split Screen/FPRO: Marius van der Westhuizen

Monday, 15 September 2025

Fiji vs Canada at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Denver, CO, USA - 02h35
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans (WRU), Lex Weiner (USA)
Television Match Official: Tual Trainini (FFR)
Split Screen/FPRO: Marius van der Westhuizen

2025 World XV

1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)

The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)

Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.

3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand — Tight-head Prop)

Now firmly established as the All Blacks’ anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)

A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.

5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)

Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.

6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)

A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)

Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)

A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.

9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)

The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)

Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.

11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)

Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.

12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)

Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.

13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)

Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.

14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)

Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.

15. Tom Wright (Australia — Fullback)

Australia’s dependable fullback brings a sharp counter-attacking game and safe hands under the high ball. His positional play and attacking awareness make him a key figure in the Wallabies backline.

QUIZ: Can you name these 10 England one-cap wonders…

This quiz challenges you to identify 10 players who earned the rare distinction of making just one appearance for the England rugby team.

These "one-cap wonders" might have been on the brink of a promising international career, unlucky with competition in their position, or simply never got another chance after their debut.

Test your knowledge and see if you can remember these players who had their brief moment in the England jersey!

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