Andrea Piardi to become first Italian to referee URC Final

In a historic second for Italian rugby, Andrea Piardi has been appointed to referee the URC Grand Final between DHL Stormers and Munster, set to happen in Cape City this weekend.

This outstanding achievement marks Piardi because the first Italian match official to oversee a URC Grand Final.

On the younger age of 30, Piardi has already established himself as a rising star on the earth of rugby officiating. He’s set to be part of the match officers crew for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France. Piardi made his league debut in February 2019 when he took cost of the Munster versus Southern Kings match. Since then, he has amassed a powerful report, having officiated in 35 league video games and 7 matches in European Skilled Membership Rugby competitions.

Over the previous two seasons, Piardi has obtained high-profile appointments, notably within the playoffs. In 2022, he refereed two knockout video games, showcasing his capabilities in intense and high-stakes encounters. Most just lately, he was accountable for the quarter-final conflict between Glasgow Warriors and Munster earlier this month, additional solidifying his repute as a strong official.

Piardi’s Match Officers crew will encompass Mike Adamson (SRU) and Craig Evans (WRU) as Assistant Referee 1 and a pair of, respectively. Ben Whitehouse (WRU), who has been chosen for the World Cup alongside Pleasure Neville, will function Tv Match Official. The crew can have the mixed expertise of 244 league video games.

Talking in regards to the alternatives, Tappe Henning, URC Head of Match Officers, mentioned: “It’s the greatest day of the season for the groups and the identical is true for our referees. Now we have a really aggressive group of senior officers, so the impartial choice panel has had loads to contemplate.

“Within the URC we’ve to steadiness neutrality and efficiency and Andrea suits properly into these classes. Now we have seen sturdy shows from him this season backed up by assured decision-making and clear communication. I would love to congratulate Andrea on this vital choice and I look ahead to seeing him in motion in Cape City.”