The match officials have been confirmed for the opening round of the 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup.
All three South African teams begin their campaigns on Saturday, 17 October, with the Bulls and Stormers at home and the Lions facing a tough assignment in France.
England’s Christophe Ridley will take charge of the Bulls’ clash with Stade Français, assisted by compatriots George Selwood and Jamie Parr, with Welshman Aled Griffiths serving as TMO.
The Stormers’ meeting with the Bristol Bears in Cape Town will have an all-French officiating team. Kevin Bralley has been appointed referee, with Vincent Blasco Baque and Flavien Hourquet running the touchlines and Eric Gauzins on TMO duty.
The Lions travel to France to face La Rochelle, with Scotland’s Sam Grove-White handed the whistle. Fellow Scots Jonny MacKenzie and Rob McDowell will serve as his assistants, while Dave Sutherland has been appointed TMO.
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EPCR said the appointments for the opening round of the Champions Cup and second-tier Challenge Cup were made by a selection committee chaired by head of match officials Tony Spreadbury and based on performance.
“We are delighted with the high standards of officiating and the performances of our match officials last season,” Spreadbury said. “These appointments reflect their consistency, professionalism and commitment to excellence across EPCR competitions.”
EPCR match officials appointments (Round 1)
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Refs named for SA’s Euro openers appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The match officials have been confirmed for the opening round of the 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup.
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