Andrew Brace Appointed as Referee for France vs Italy in 2026 Six Nations
Andrew Brace has been confirmed as the match official for the highly anticipated France vs Italy fixture in Lille, set to take place during round three of the 2026 Six Nations championship. This appointment underscores his rising prominence in international rugby refereeing.
Background and Early Career of Andrew Brace
Born in Cardiff, Andrew Brace holds a unique background, having spent his childhood split between Wales and Ireland. He currently represents the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) as a referee, a role he has embraced with distinction. Before taking up the whistle, Brace served as a community rugby officer for Munster, where he developed a deep understanding of the sport at grassroots levels.
Interestingly, Brace had a brief stint as an international player, representing Belgium due to eligibility through his father's family. This experience on the field has undoubtedly enriched his perspective as a referee, allowing him to connect with players and the dynamics of the game.
Refereeing Journey and Milestones
Andrew Brace began his refereeing career in professional rugby in 2015, making his debut in what was then known as the Pro 14, now rebranded as the United Rugby Championship. His talent quickly shone through, leading to his first Test match appointment just two years later in 2017.
In 2020, Brace achieved significant milestones by officiating both the Pro 14 final and the Autumn Nations Cup decider between England and France at Twickenham. These high-profile matches cemented his reputation as a reliable and skilled referee on the international stage.
His World Cup debut came in 2023, where he took charge of three pool fixtures as the sole IRFU referee during the tournament in France. This followed his earlier role as an assistant referee in the 2019 World Cup, highlighting his steady progression in the officiating ranks.
Officiating Team for France vs Italy in Lille
For the France vs Italy match in Lille, Andrew Brace will be supported by a team of experienced officials. The assistant referees will include Luke Pearce from England and Eoghan Cross from Ireland, with Olly Hodges serving as the television match official (TMO). Ben Whitehouse of Wales will act as the foul play review officer (FPRO), ensuring comprehensive oversight of the game.
This diverse team brings together expertise from multiple rugby nations, promising a fair and well-managed contest. The presence of regular Test referee Luke Pearce on the touchline adds further depth to the officiating crew, while the inclusion of Irish colleagues Eoghan Cross and Olly Hodges provides a cohesive support system for Brace.
The match officials for this crucial Six Nations encounter are as follows:
- Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
- Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce (England) & Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
- TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)
- FPRO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
As the 2026 Six Nations approaches, all eyes will be on Andrew Brace and his team to deliver a smooth and impartial officiating performance in what promises to be a thrilling match between France and Italy.
