Match Officials Confirmed For High Stakes Champions Cup And Challenge Cup Round Of Sixteen Fixtures

The EPCR confirms match officials for the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup playoffs, including referees for the Stormers, Bulls, and Sharks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 8:19 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Elite Panel Selected For Knockout Stages

With under two weeks remaining until the return of elite European club rugby, the EPCR Head of Match Officials, Tony Spreadbury, has finalized the appointments for the first knockout round. The selection committee has curated a diverse panel of referees, assistant referees, and Television Match Officials to ensure the highest standard of officiating across the sixteen scheduled fixtures. This round marks a critical juncture in the season as clubs from the United Rugby Championship, Top 14, and Premiership battle for a place in the quarter finals.

Key Appointments For South African Franchises

The South African contingent in the Champions Cup will face high pressure matches under the guidance of experienced international referees. England’s Christophe Ridley has been appointed to officiate the clash between RC Toulon and the Stormers at Stade Félix Mayol on Saturday. Meanwhile, French referee Pierre Brousset will take charge of the first ever Champions Cup meeting between URC rivals Glasgow Warriors and the Bulls. These appointments are viewed as pivotal given the physical nature of the forward battles expected in both the French and Scottish venues.

Challenge Cup And International Matchups

The EPCR Challenge Cup also features significant matchups with a focus on cross border rivalries. Scotland’s Sam Grove-White will referee the opening fixture between Connacht and the Sharks at the Dexcom Stadium. In other notable appointments, Hollie Davidson will oversee Northampton Saints against Castres Olympique, continuing her rise in the international game following her Men’s Six Nations debut. Georgian official Nika Amashukeli, who recently handled the high stakes France versus England clash, has been assigned to the all English heavyweight battle between Bath Rugby and Saracens at The Rec.