by Nika Amashukeli takes over the third test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions in Sydney when the tour comes to an end.
The groundbreaking Georgian was received another marquee appliance after the history at the World Cup in autumn 2023.
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The 31-year-old was the first referee from Georgia, who served at the event, and the youngest Whistler since Wayne Barnes in 2007 to be appointed to a men’s World Cup panel.
Amashukeli represented Georgia as a center at the junior level, but had to retire after a series of concussion and other injuries at the age of 20.
He was recruited as a referee as part of a new program to improve the country’s incumbent standards, which was developed in collaboration with the Irish Rugby Football Union.
As part of this relationship, Amashukeli was looked after by the Irish official David Mchugh, who creates games at the 1995, 1999 and 2003 World Championships.
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In July 2021, Amashukeli served Wales’ victory against Canada, his first international appointment with an animal one nation.
Seven months later, a debut with six nations followed, and Amashukeli has since closed a reputation as a referee with great potential. He worked as an assistant in the first two games in the series.
Australia against Lions Match officials
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
Assistant referee: Ben O’keeffe (NZ) & Andrea Piardi (ITA)
TMO: Marius Jonker (Sat)
FPro: Richard Kelly (NZ)
