The rugby world is gearing up for an exciting weekend of matches, with several high-profile encounters lined up for September 26-27, 2026. In preparation, match officials have been appointed for these upcoming games. According to an announcement by SA Rugby, Andrea Piardi from Italy will referee the match between Australia and South Africa at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The WXV Global Series is set to kick off on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with several thrilling matches. England will face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, London, with Clara Munarini from Italy taking charge as referee. The match is scheduled to start at 16h00. Meanwhile, France will take on Canada at Stade Marcel-Deflandre in La Rochelle, with Maggie Cogger-Orr from New Zealand refereeing the encounter.
Other matches in the WXV Global Series include Scotland vs Australia at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, refereed by Aurélie Groizeleau from France, and Wales vs USA at Cardiff Arms Park in Cardiff, with Amber McLachlan from Australia in charge. Additionally, Italy will face South Africa at Stadio Omero Tognon in Pordenone, with Holly Wood from England refereeing the match.
The WXV Challenger Series will also be in action on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Fiji will take on Netherlands at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground in Hong Kong, with Emma Gallagher from Canada refereeing the match. Hong Kong China will face Samoa at the same venue, with Amber Stamp-Dunstan from Wales in charge.
In the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, several matches have been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 25-26, 2026. Benetton will face Dragons at Stadio Monigo in Treviso, with Christopher Allison refereeing the match. Connacht will take on DHL Stormers at Dexcom Stadium in Galway, with Sam Grove-White in charge.
The SA Rugby U21 Shield and U20 Cup will also be in action on September 25-26, 2026. In the U21 Shield, SWD Eagles will face Eastern Province at Outeniqua Park in George, with Lulutho Matomela refereeing the match. In the U20 Cup, Toyota Cheetahs will take on Hollywoodbets Sharks Gen at Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein.
Several other domestic matches have been scheduled for September 26, 2026, including the Pick n Pay Gold Cup North. Naka Bulls will face SK Walmers at Naka Bulls Rugby Club, with Christo Erasmus from the Lions refereeing the match. Other matches include Grizzlies vs Brakpan, Northam Rhinos vs Nelspruit, and Northam Wolves vs Pirates.
Key points
- Rugby match officials have been appointed for international and domestic matches on September 26-27, 2026.
- The WXV Global Series and Vodacom United Rugby Championship will feature several high-profile matches.
- SA Rugby has announced the match official appointments for the upcoming weekend.
