• Twenty-three referees from 11 nations to take charge of 34 tests in November window
  • Appointments for the Final Qualification Tournament for RWC 2027 will be announced when all four teams are known
  • Match official profiles are available in the Media Zone

World Rugby has confirmed the Emirates Match Official appointments a busy month of November internationals as teams look to secure the best ranking possible ahead of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw in December.

Thirty-four of the 42 matches between 18 October and 29 November are tests with 23 referees from 11 nations set to referee these matches across four of World Rugby’s six regional associations.

Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) will referee the opening test of the November window with Japan v Australia in Tokyo on 25 October, with Luc Ramos (France) taking charge of the final match with Wales v South Africa in Cardiff on 29 November.

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Highlights include:

  • A total of 58 officials from 15 national unions will be involved in the November internationals as referees, assistant referees, Television Match Officials or Foul Play Review Officers.
  • Ten referees will each take charge of two test matches.
  • Morgan White (Hong Kong China) will referee the first match, between Japan XV and Australia A on 18 October.
  • White is one of four referees from the World Rugby U20 Championship 2025 to take charge of matches, Ben Breakspear (Wales), Jérémy Rozier (France) and Tomás Bertazza (Argentina) the others.
  • Breakspear, who refereed the World Rugby U20 Championship final in July, will referee Romania v Canada on 8 November, while Bertazza takes charge of Spain v Ireland A on the same day and Rozier oversees Romania v Uruguay a fortnight later. 
  • RWC 2025 final referee Hollie Davidson to take charge of two tests, including Wales v New Zealand in Cardiff on 22 November.

As is normal for test matches, selection is based on experience, form, and the principle of neutrality. World Rugby will also collaborate closely with all teams involved in the November test window to ensure an aligned and positive approach to the match officials/coaches relationship.

Appointments for the Final Qualification Tournament to determine the 24th and last qualifier for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be announced once the fourth team to join Belgium, Namibia and Samoa has been confirmed on 18 October.