Pacific Nations Cup Finals and Major Rugby Competitions: A Global Overview

This weekend marks the conclusion of the Pacific Nations Cup in Japan, with Nic Berry officiating the finals between the hosts, Japan, and Fiji. The third-place play-off features the USA and Samoa, refereed by Ben O’Keeffe, who equals Paul Honnis’s record of 46 tests for a New Zealand referee.

The Rugby Championship is also in full swing with its fifth round. This includes a match between Australia and New Zealand, where Karl Dickson is slated as the referee, and a game between Argentina and South Africa, marking the debut of referee Christophe Ridley in the championship.

In the Women’s XV series, a preparatory match between Kenya and Madagascar takes place, with Precious Pazani officiating. Additionally, in Europe, Laura Wunsch from Austria is set to referee Romania’s women’s test match against Bulgaria, as Sara Cox celebrates her 40th test match cap in Newport where Wales faces the Wallaroos.

The Gallagher Premiership and United Rugby Championship commence their new seasons. However, South African teams are absent this weekend, owing to the Currie Cup final, where Morne Ferreira officiates as the Lions take on the Sharks in Johannesburg. Meanwhile, the first Welsh derby of the season, Dragons vs. Ospreys, will be overseen by Ben Breakspear, along with Luke Pearce managing his 151st Premiership match in the final replay between Bath and Northampton.

Additional international fixtures include the Lusitanos versus Black Lion game, officiated by Alex Frasson in Italy, and Brussels Devils against Bohemia Warriors under the watch of Eugeniu Procpi from Moldova.

In the French Top 14 and ProD2 leagues, various matches are scheduled, with referees like Jonathan Gasnier and Vincent Blasco Baque overseeing key games. The Top 14, in particular, features matchups such as Montpellier Hérault Rugby versus Stade Toulousain and ASM Clermont against Aviron Bayonnais.

Rugby tournaments continue globally with regional competitions including the National Rugby Championship (NRC) across various provinces in New Zealand, adding local excitement to the weekend.