Six Nations match officials confirmed for this weekend, including Scotland vs Wales referee

Rugby News
Saturday, 08 March 2025 at 13:23
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The Six Nations is heating up, and the match officials for this weekend’s action have been locked in. Expect plenty of scrutiny as the men in the middle aim to keep things under control.

Ireland vs France – Angus Gardner in charge

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
One of the most experienced referees in the game, Angus Gardner has been officiating at the highest level since 2012. The Australian took charge of his first Six Nations match in 2019 and has since become a regular fixture in top-tier Test matches, including the Rugby World Cup. Known for his clear communication and strong game management, Gardner will have his hands full at the Aviva Stadium.
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England) & Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
FPRO: Andrew Jackson (England)

Scotland vs Wales – Andrea Piardi makes history

Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Piardi is a rising star in the refereeing world, becoming the first Italian to officiate a Six Nations match in 2024. A former fly-half, he made the switch to officiating in his early 20s and has since impressed in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions. His calm demeanour and ability to keep games flowing have earned him this prestigious appointment at Murrayfield.
Assistant Referees: Nic Berry (Australia) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
FPRO: Tual Trainini (France)

England vs Italy – Andrew Brace takes centre stage

Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Born in Cardiff, Wales, Brace represented Belgium in rugby before transitioning to refereeing. Since earning his first Test appointment in 2017, he has become one of the most respected officials in European rugby, balancing authority with a strong feel for the game. Having officiated at the Rugby World Cup, Brace is no stranger to high-pressure matches—Twickenham will be just another day at the office.
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans (Wales) & Luc Ramos (France)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
FPRO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
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Three England stars who won’t play for their country after the 2025 Six Nations

The 2025 Six Nations could mark the final chapter for several England internationals. With youth on the rise and Steve Borthwick looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup, some experienced faces are set to step aside.
ere are three players who may don the red rose for the last time next year.

George Ford – The Smith era has begun

tactical genius and a key figure in England’s past triumphs, George Ford’s international career seems to be winding down. The 31-year-old fly-half hasn’t featured in the Six Nations this year, and with Fin Smith and Marcus Smithleading the charge, his chances of reclaiming the No.10 jersey look slim.
Ford’s experience and game management are undeniable, but the new generation of playmakers has arrived. Barring an injury crisis, the 2025 Six Nations could be his last dance in an England shirt.

Elliot Daly – The versatile veteran

Daly is still in the mix, starting against Italy this weekend, but his long-term place in the squad is far from certain. A trusted servant for England, the 31-year-old has been a Swiss Army knife for the backline, covering fullback, wing, and centre.
However, with Freddie Steward locking down the 15 jersey, young wingers Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman making waves, and an ultra-competitive midfield, Daly could find himself phased out post-2025.
He’ll always be remembered for that Lions penalty from halfway, but his time in an England shirt looks to be entering its final stretch.

Ben Spencer – A stopgap selection?

The 2025 Six Nations squad saw Ben Spencer earn a recall, but it feels like a short-term fix rather than a long-term revival.
Once tipped as a successor to Ben Youngs, Spencer has been leapfrogged by the likes of Alex Mitchell and Harry Randall, while rising stars like Raffi Quirke lurk in the background.
His international dream isn’t completely over, but the odds of him being around beyond 2025? Slim

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