Who’s Calling the Shots? Meet the Match Officials for the Boks’ July Showdowns

As the Springboks gear up for July clashes against Italy and Georgia, all eyes won’t just be on the players — World Rugby has named a high-calibre group of match officials for the series. From trailblazers to tournament veterans, meet the referees, assistants, and TMOs tasked with managing the action across South Africa’s mid-year Tests.

Test 1: Pretoria, 5 July: South Africa v Italy

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)

Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England), Andrew Brace (Ireland)

TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)

Hollie Davidson makes history once again, becoming one of the first women to referee a men’s Springbok Test, following her groundbreaking assignment in 2024 against Portugal. A former Scotland U20 scrum-half, Davidson has risen quickly through the ranks and now boasts over 30 international matches, including two Women’s Rugby World Cups and the Olympic Games in Rio.

Her assistants, Matthew Carley and Andrew Brace, are no strangers to the international stage. Carley, who will later referee the final Test, has officiated in multiple World Cups and recently led the 2024 European Champions Cup final. Brace, a former Belgian international, has been a familiar figure in the Six Nations and United Rugby Championship.

Test 2: Gqeberha, 12 July: South Africa v Italy

Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)

TMO: Tual Trainini (France)

Andrew Brace takes the lead for the second Test, bringing a player’s perspective and international experience to the role. He began refereeing after a stint as a player for Belgium and made his Test debut in 2017. Known for his firm yet fair control, Brace has officiated at Rugby World Cups and high-stakes European club finals.

French TMO Tual Trainini adds further authority to the officiating team, with a track record that includes Six Nations and European competition.

Test 3: Nelspruit, 19 July: South Africa v Georgia

Referee: Matthew Carley (England)

Assistant Referees: Hollie Davidson (Scotland), Adam Leal (England)

TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)

Matthew Carley rounds off the series, bringing a decade of top-level officiating to Nelspruit. Having debuted in 2016, Carley has handled numerous Six Nations and Rugby World Cup matches. He is known for his clear communication style and his ability to manage complex breakdowns.

Joining him is assistant Adam Leal, a rising RFU official making his international debut, and Andrew Jackson, who returns as TMO after overseeing the Pretoria Test.

World Rugby’s selection for the July Tests highlights a commitment to both officiating excellence and inclusivity. With a mix of experienced campaigners and pioneering figures, the refereeing team is well-prepared to handle the intensity and pace of the Springboks’ mid-year internationals.