Andrew Brace has been appointed as the referee for the France versus Italy match in Lille during round three of the 2026 Six Nations. The 35-year-old official, born in Cardiff, represents the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) after spending his childhood between Wales and Ireland.
Brace began his career as a community rugby officer for Munster and had a brief international playing career with Belgium, qualifying through his father's family. He made his professional refereeing debut in the Pro 14 (now the United Rugby Championship) in 2015 and started officiating Test matches two years later.
In 2020, Brace oversaw both the Pro 14 final and the Autumn Nations Cup final between England and France at Twickenham. He made his World Cup debut as a referee in 2023, taking charge of three pool matches as the sole IRFU official at the tournament.
For the match in Lille, Brace will be supported by Irish colleagues Eoghan Cross (assistant) and Olly Hodges (television match official). Regular Test referee Luke Pearce will also serve as an assistant, with Ben Whitehouse of Wales as the foul play review officer.
