Nika Amashukeli will take charge of the Six Nations match between France and England in Paris, replacing Australian referee Nic Berry, who was unable to travel due to the conflict in the Middle East.
The 31-year-old Georgian made history at the 2023 Rugby World Cup as the first referee from his country to officiate at the tournament, and the youngest whistler since Wayne Barnes in 2007 to be appointed to a men's World Cup panel.
Amashukeli, a former junior international centre for Georgia, was forced to retire at age 20 due to concussions and other injuries. He was recruited as a referee through a programme developed with the Irish Rugby Football Union to improve officiating standards in Georgia.
Mentored by Irish official David McHugh, who refereed at three World Cups, Amashukeli officiated his first international match involving a Tier One nation in July 2021, when Wales beat Canada. He made his Six Nations debut seven months later and has since built a reputation as a high-potential referee.
Assistant referees for the match are Andrew Brace of Ireland and Hollie Davidson of Scotland.
