Match Officials Confirmed for 2026 EPCR Champions and Challenge Cup Quarterfinals

EPCR confirms referee panels for the Champions and Challenge Cup quarterfinals, with Andrew Brace and Hollie Davidson among the top appointments.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 6:15 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Officiating Panels Set for Champions Cup Elite Eight

The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) governing body has finalized the selection of match officials for the Champions Cup quarterfinals, scheduled for April 10–12. Officiating a tournament of this caliber requires a high degree of technical precision and game management, particularly as the competition narrows to the top eight clubs. Ireland’s Andrew Brace will handle the opening fixture between Bath and Northampton Saints, a game expected to be physically demanding given the domestic rivalry involved. Meanwhile, England’s Karl Dickson has been assigned to Glasgow Warriors' home clash against RC Toulon, a match that will test the referee's ability to manage high-tempo breakdown scenarios.

High-Stakes Appointments for Cross-Border Clashes

In Dublin, the high-profile encounter between Leinster and Sale Sharks at the Aviva Stadium will be overseen by French referee Pierre Brousset. This appointment is significant as Brousset brings a Continental officiating style to a match featuring an Irish powerhouse and a gritty English side. Sunday’s highlight fixture, the French showdown between Union Bordeaux Begles and Stade Toulousain, will be refereed by Matthew Carley. Carley, known for his firm communication and management of set-pieces, will be assisted by a Welsh team on the sidelines, ensuring a neutral perspective for this intense regional derby.

Historical Milestones in Challenge Cup Officiating

The Challenge Cup officiating roster features notable selections, particularly the appointment of Hollie Davidson to lead the Ulster v Stade Rochelais match in Belfast. Davidson continues her rise within the elite refereeing ranks, taking charge of a fixture involving two former European champions. Her performance will be supported by an all-Scottish officiating core, including TMO Mike Adamson. Other key appointments in the second-tier competition include Luke Pearce for the Zebre v Dragons match in Parma and Christophe Ridley for Montpellier’s home tie against Connacht, reflecting a diverse mix of Premiership and international experience.