— Cape Town In November, Wayne Barnes of England will establish a new Test record when he referees the Springboks’ match against France in Marseille.
The 43-year-old referee, who is also a licensed lawyer or barrister, will overtake Nigel Owens of Wales, who officiated exactly 100 Tests over a 17-year career and will retire from the top level in December 2020, with his final match being the France-Italy match in Paris.
Now it is Barnes’s chance to reach the century mark, which will occur on November 5 when Wales hosts the All Blacks in Cardiff.
A week later, when he whistles for the Boks against France at the Stade Velodrome, he will establish a new benchmark.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said in a statement on Wednesday, “Congratulations to Wayne on his nomination and impending record.”
“It is not easy to be so good for so long as a referee. Wayne Barnes, like Nigel Owens before him, reaches 100 Tests by being not only a terrific referee, but also a great team player, a student of the game, and a person who is highly regarded by players, coaches, and fans.”
Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli will officiate the first Bok Test of the end-of-year tour against Ireland in Dublin. The world champions are quite familiar with Amashukeli as he officiated the Wales match at Loftus Versfeld in July.
Mike Adamson of Scotland will referee the Bok match against Italy in Genoa, while Angus Gardner of Australia will oversee the South Africa vs. England match at Twickenham.
Jaco Peyper has been appointed as the referee for two November Tests: France vs. Australia in Paris on November 5, and Ireland against. Fiji a week later in Dublin.
Referees For November Springbok Tests (all SA times)
Dublin, November 5: Ireland versus South Africa. Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia). Kickoff: 7:35 p.m.
12 November, Marseille, France versus South Africa. The referee is Wayne Barnes (England). Kickoff is at 10 p.m.
Genoa, November 19: Italy vs. South Africa. Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland). Kickoff is at 3 p.m.
London, November 26th, England versus South Africa. Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia). Kickoff: 7:35 p.m.
Officials For SA A Tour Games (both SA times)
November 10: Munster, Cork. Referee: Karl Dickson (England). Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m.
Bristol Bears, Bristol, on November 17 Adam Jones referees (Wales). Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m.