Six Nations Rugby Refereeing Disrupted by Middle East Conflict Ahead of Crucial France vs England Match

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused significant disruption to refereeing assignments for the 2026 Six Nations rugby tournament, impacting key matches including the pivotal France vs England encounter.

Australian referee Nic Berry was originally appointed to officiate several matches, including the crucial final round clash between France and England scheduled for March 14. However, the war has severely affected travel routes, with airlines unable to guarantee safe flights between Oceania and Europe. As a result, Berry was unable to travel to Europe to fulfill his officiating duties.

In response, World Rugby reorganized the officiating team. Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli has been assigned to referee the France vs England match, with Irish referee Andrew Brace and Scottish referee Hollie Davidson joining as assistants. This reshuffling also impacted earlier rounds; for example, Scottish referee Sam Grove-White replaced Berry as an assistant in the Italy vs England match. Additionally, French referee Pierre Brousset was promoted to first assistant referee to Luc Ramos on other matches, reflecting the broader adjustments needed due to travel disruptions.

Despite these last-minute changes, the France vs England game remains on schedule and is expected to proceed without further disruptions. The match holds high stakes: France is aiming to secure the Six Nations title early with a bonus-point win against Scotland, and potentially achieve their 11th Grand Slam. The French team will also see the return of Matthieu Jalibert from injury, bolstering their lineup.

Fabien Galthié, coach of the French national team, sees this fixture as a defining moment in the tournament. The war-induced referee changes underscore the wider impact of geopolitical conflicts on international sporting events. Yet, the Six Nations continues to carry forward, adapting quickly to maintain the competition's integrity and excitement.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how teams and officials navigate these unprecedented challenges brought on by conflict far beyond the rugby field.