World Rugby Match Official Appointments For Men’s November 2024 Internationals Confirmed

The Emirates World Rugby Match Officials were confirmed for the men’s international window in November 2024. There are 30 referees from 12 nations involved in the 36 tests, with five matches featuring representative teams.

From Asia, the UAE, Hong Kong China, and South Korea all have international Autumn matches, and from the match officials, Asian representation includes Katsuki Furuse and Takehito Namekawa (both Japan) who were handed appointments.*

Men’s Emirates World Rugby High Performance Match Officials Selectors Chairman Brett Robinson said: “As we build towards Rugby World Cup 2031 in the USA via an expanded Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia and the new Nations Cup, we continue to be focused on developing a broader team of match officials. With a new match officiating strategy and high-performance system, deeper collaboration across unions and competitions, the evolution is reflected in this selection. Congratulations to all.”

World Rugby High Performance 15s Match Official Manager Joël Jutge added: “Throughout 2024 we have been focusing on resetting the relationship with coaches, embedding a new performance structure and driving clarity across the game.”

Thirteen nations are represented among the 64 officials for the November tests and confirmation of “any law trials operational during the window will be made by the respective competition owners and unions in the coming weeks,” said World Rugby.

Match Official Appointments For Men’s November 2024 Internationals

As many as 30 referees will take charge of 41 men’s international matches in November 2024 with Hollie Davidson (Scotland) one of two female officials appointed by World Rugby to matches in November alongside Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa).

Asian Test Matches November 2024 Match Officials

Japan v New Zealand – Saturday, 26 October, 2024

•  Referee Jordan Way (RA)
• Assistant Referee 1: Nic Berry (RA)
• Assistant Referee 2: Reuben Keane (RA)

Munster v All Blacks XV – Saturday, 2 November, 2024 

• Referee: Takehito Namekawa (JRFU)

Hong Kong China v Brazil – Saturday, 9 November, 2024

• Referee: Reuben Keane (RA)
• Assistant Referee 1: Katsuki Furuse (JRFU)
• Assistant Referee 2: Morgan White (HKCR)

France v Japan – Saturday, 9 November, 2024

• Referee: Damian Schneider (UAR)
• Assistant Referee 1: Angus Gardner (RA)
• Assistant Referee 2: James Doleman (NZR)

Portugal v USA – Saturday, 9 November, 2024

• Assistant Referee 1: Takehito Namekawa (JRFU)

Japan v Uruguay – Saturday, 16 November, 2024

• Referee: Christophe Ridley (RFU)
• Assistant Referee 1: Luc Ramos (FFR)
• Assistant Referee 2: Adam Leal (RFU)

Scotland v Portugal – Saturday, 16 November, 2024

• Referee: Takehito Namekawa (JRFU)

Hong Kong China v Brazil – Saturday, 16 November, 2024

• Referee: Katsuki Furuse (JRFU)
• Assistant Referee 1: Reuben Keane (RA)
• Assistant Referee 2: Morgan White (HKCR)

England v Japan – Sunday, 24 November, 2024

• Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)
• Assistant Referee 1: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
• Assistant Referee 2: Morné Ferreira (SARU)

*There was no reason given why the UAE and Korea match officials were not announced or included in the World Rugby announcement but we have reached out to clarify these appointments.

International Asian Rugby News 2024

• Hong Kong China Confirms It Will Host Brazil For Two Men’s 15s Autumn 2024 Internationals.
• UAE And Hong Kong China Men’s XV To Host November 2024 International Tests.
• JRFU Fixtures 2024 – Brave Blossoms, Japan XV, Sakura XV.
• Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualification Explained.