🏉 Match Officials Announced for South Africa vs Georgia – 19 July 2025

🏉 Match Officials Announced for South Africa vs Georgia – 19 July 2025

 

The lineup of match officials for the upcoming Test between the Springboks and Georgia has been confirmed, with England’s Matthew Carley selected to referee the fixture. He will be supported by two assistant referees, Hollie Davidson (Scotland) and Adam Leal (England), with the Television Match Official (TMO) role also going to Andrew Jackson (England). Details are as follows:

 

Referee: Matthew Carley (England, RFU)

 

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

 

Television Match Official: Andrew Jackson (England, RFU)

 

 

 

 

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📌 Meet the Match Officials

 

Matthew Carley – The Main Referee

 

Born on 21 December 1984 in Deal, England, Matthew Carley has risen through the ranks to become one of the leading referees on the international stage. He has officiated Premiership games, European club tournaments, and numerous Tier‑1 internationals since his early Test debut in 2016 during the USA vs Russia fixture . Carley’s appointment to this Test signals World Rugby’s confidence in his ability to manage high-pressure, fast-paced encounters.

 

Hollie Davidson – Making History Again

 

Hollie Davidson has broken new ground in refereeing. A former scrum-half who transitioned to officiating in 2015, she is now a full-time professional referee with the SRU. In July 2024, she made history as the first female official to oversee a Springboks Test match . Her presence in the officiating team brings a progressive touch to this matchup.

 

Adam Leal – Experienced Assistant

 

On the other touchline, Adam Leal represents the RFU. Having helped officiate in major tournaments such as the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, Leal has consistently impressed with his calm and decisive manner .

 

Andrew Jackson – Behind the Monitor

 

Acting as TMO, Andrew Jackson will review critical in-game decisions such as try-scoring moments, foul play, and contentious calls—all crucial in a Test match of this magnitude. He has served as TMO in several Tier‑1 fixtures, including recent Tests involving the Springboks .

 

 

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🎯 Why These Appointments Matter

 

1. Expertise and Pressure Handling

 

Carley’s experience in European club and international Tests equips him to manage high-stakes environments—key against an ambitious Georgian side testing their own physicality.

 

 

 

2. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

 

Davidson’s role isn’t just symbolic. Her inclusion highlights World Rugby’s commitment to diversity and gender equality, bringing a new perspective to elite officiating.

 

 

 

3. Continued Official Cohesion

 

Jackson’s familiarity with the Springboks’ style—having previously served as TMO in their matches—ensures consistency and smooth game flow.

 

 

 

 

 

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🧩 Context: Springboks’ Tour and Fixture Overview

 

This Test against Georgia is part of the Castle Lager Incoming Series, following a recent match against Italy. It’s a key opportunity for the Springboks to fine-tune combinations, especially with captain Siya Kolisi returning and several front-row debutants named . The game also offers Georgia a vital exposure to top-tier rugby ahead of their own World Cup ambitions.

 

 

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✅ What to Expect on the Day (19 July 2025)

 

Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

 

Kick-off: 17:10 local / 15:10 GMT

 

Officials Line-up: Carley (ref), Davidson & Leal (ARs), Jackson (TMO)

 

 

🧠 Anticipated Officiating Focus

 

Scrum and Maul Safety: Georgia’s forward-oriented approach will be closely monitored, especially under Carley’s watch to ensure fair and stable set-pieces.

 

TMO Oversight: Jackson is poised to review close-goal-line situations, potential foul play, and match-turning decisions like knock-ons or forward passes.

 

Assistant Referee Coordination: Clear line management between Davidson and Leal—particularly in touchline calls and offside rulings—will be crucial for match consistency.

 

 

 

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🔍 Looking Ahead

 

World Rugby and SA Rugby have emphasized that this officiating team is a strategic blend of experience and inclusion. Their performance in Nelspruit will not only impact this Test but could shape future selections for major events like the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

 

 

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📝 Summary Table

 

Role Official Union

 

Referee (Whistle) Matthew Carley England

Assistant Ref 1 Hollie Davidson Scotland

Assistant Ref 2 Adam Leal England

Television Match Official (TMO) Andrew Jackson England

 

 

 

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The chosen officiating team brings a robust and balanced set of skills to the Springboks vs Georgia clash. Their oversight will be central to ensuring not only fairness and safety but also that the match’s intense physical and tactical facets are adjudicated consistently. Fans should expect a well-officiated Test that sets a strong tone for both sides in this brief but critical series.