Rugby`s elite international calendar is set to feature a familiar face taking on significant responsibility. Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli has been handed prominent appointments for the highly anticipated 2025 Rugby Championship, placing him firmly in the spotlight of Southern Hemisphere rugby`s premier annual tournament.
World Rugby recently unveiled the refereeing panels for the championship, which kicks off on August 16th. Amashukeli`s schedule includes three matches involving the reigning world champions, the South African Springboks. His most notable assignment will be presiding as the main referee for the high-stakes encounter between the Springboks and the All Blacks on September 13th. This fixture is a classic clash of rugby titans and demands a referee of considerable skill and composure.
Beyond his central role, Amashukeli will also serve as an assistant referee in two other significant matches featuring South Africa. He will be on the touchline for the initial Springboks vs. All Blacks showdown on September 6th and later for the match between Argentina and South Africa on October 4th.
The appointment list reveals interesting patterns. For instance, the tournament opener on August 16th, featuring the Springboks against Australia, will be officiated by experienced New Zealander Ben O`Keeffe. Notably, the appointments for matches involving South Africa do not feature any South African referees in the main role – a common practice to avoid potential perceptions of bias, though it always sparks discussion among fans.
For Nika Amashukeli, these appointments represent a significant endorsement from World Rugby. As one of the leading referees from a developing Tier 1 nation like Georgia, being entrusted with controlling a match of the magnitude of New Zealand vs. South Africa underscores his rising status in international officiating. It`s a testament to his consistent performance and growing reputation on the global stage. His presence in multiple key Springbok fixtures highlights his value and the trust placed in his decision-making abilities under pressure. This is not just a personal achievement but also a boost for Georgian rugby`s profile.
As the 2025 Rugby Championship approaches, Nika Amashukeli is clearly marked as a key figure among the officials. His assignments, particularly the Springboks vs. All Blacks fixture, position him for a busy and challenging, yet rewarding, tournament.
Percy Harlow