World Rugby has given an early posting of the appointments to sixteen international matches to be played this autumn.
Pride of place goes to Aimee Barrett-Theron who is given the honour of controlling the first of the two clashes between the top two-ranked nations, then the first of the France-New Zealand encounters.
It is a pity that travel restrictions prevent the two Canada-USA matches that form the opening of the Pacific Four Series from being covered by neutral referees. But WR has chosen the next best option, alternate Canadian and American whistlers. It is excellent to see Julianne Zussman, so recently a distinguished full-back for the Maple Leafs, charged with the first meeting.
Clara Munarini, who survived the unforgettable snowstorm at Murrayfield last year, is given the honour of taking the first game the Barbarians have ever hosted at Twickenham.
One new name below is Maria Latos of Germany. She has been involved in Rugby Europe appointments for some years, and now advances to the top level.
England v New Zealand
Sandy Park, Exeter, Sunday 31 October 2021
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
ARs: Aurelie Groizeleau (FFR) and Clara Munarini (FIR)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
France v South Africa
Stade de la Rabine, Vannes, Saturday 6 November 2021
Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
ARs: Hollie Davidson (SRU) and Katherine Ritchie (RFU)
TMO: Claire Hodnett (RFU)
Wales v Japan
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Sunday 7 November 2021
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
ARs: Maria Beatrice Benvenuti (FIR) and Maria Giovanna Pacifico (FIR)
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)
England v New Zealand
Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, Sunday 7 November 2021
Referee: Aurelie Groizeleau (FFR)
ARs: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU) and Doriane Domenjo (FFR)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)
Ireland v USA
Venue: TBC, Friday 12 November 2021
Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
ARs: Maria Beatrice Benvenuti (FIR) and Maria Giovanna Pacifico (FIR)
TMO: Claire Hodnett (RFU)
Wales v South Africa
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Saturday 13 November 2021
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
ARs: Doriane Domenjo (FFR) and Maria Latos (Ger)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)
France v New Zealand
Stade du Hameau, Pau, Saturday 13 November 2021
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
ARs: TBC and Katherine Ritchie (RFU)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Scotland v Japan
DAM Health Stadium, Murrayfield, Sunday 14 November 2021
Referee: Nikki O’Donnell (RFU)
ARs: Sara Cox (RFU) and Francesca Martin (WRU)
TMO: Claire Hodnett (RFU)
England v Canada
The Stoop, Twickenham, Sunday 14 November 2021
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
ARs: Aurelie Groizeleau (FFR) and Maria Giovanna Pacifico (FIR)
TMO: Neil Paterson (SRU)
Ireland v Japan
Venue: TBC, Saturday 20 November 2021
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
ARs: Sara Cox (RFU) and Katherine Ritchie (RFU)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
France v New Zealand
Stade Pierre Fabre, Castres, Saturday 20 November 2021
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
ARs: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU) and Nikki O’Donnell (RFU)
TMO: Neil Paterson (SRU)
Wales v Canada
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Sunday 21 November 2021
Referee: Aurelie Groizeleau (FFR)
ARs: Maria Beatrice Benvenuti (FIR) and Maria Giovanna Pacifico (FIR)
TMO: Claire Hodnett (RFU)
England v USA
Sixways, Worcester, Sunday 21 November 2021
Referee: Julianne Zussman (RC)
ARs: Doriane Domenjo (FFR) and Francesca Martin (WRU)
TMO: Ian Davies (WRU)
Barbarians Women v South Africa
Twickenham Stadium, London, Saturday 27 November 2021
Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)
ARs: TBC and TBC
TMO: TBC
Pacific Four Series – N America leg
USA v Canada
Monday 1 November 2021
Referee: Julianne Zussman (Can)
ARs: Amelia Luciano (USA) and Michael Jones (Can)
TMO: Chris Assmus (Can)
USA v Canada
Friday 5 November 2021
Referee: Katherine Roche (USA)
ARs: Amelia Luciano (USA) and Michael Jones (Can)
TMO: Chris Assmus (Can)
with thanks to rugbyreferee.net
