An experienced referee has been given the task of officiating the grudge Test between the Boks and France in Paris in November.

World Rugby has named the match officials for the upcoming November internationals – with Angus Gardner, Matthew Carley, James Doleman and Luc Ramos set to oversee the Springboks’ northern hemisphere tour.

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The announcement covers 42 fixtures between 18 October and 29 November, including 34 full Tests. Referees from 11 nations will take charge, as teams look to climb the rankings ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw in December.

Australia’s Gardner will referee the headline clash between France and South Africa, a rematch of the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal which the Boks won 29–28 en route to their fourth world title. He’ll be assisted by Nika Amashukeli (Georgia) and Christophe Ridley (England), with Ian Tempest (England) as TMO.

New Zealander James Doleman has been appointed for South Africa’s Test against Italy in Turin, while Ireland’s home match against the Springboks will be overseen by an all-English panel – Carley as referee, Karl Dickson and Ridley as assistants, and Andrew Jackson as TMO.

The Boks’ final tour match against Wales in Cardiff on 29 November will be refereed by Frenchman Luc Ramos.

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