The stage is set for an exhilarating culmination of European club rugby as the EPCR has unveiled the match officials for the forthcoming Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals in Bilbao. The spotlight shines on English referees Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley, tasked with overseeing these pinnacle matches at the iconic San Mamés Stadium.
This weekend promises a rugby spectacle beginning with the EPCR Challenge Cup Final on Friday, featuring Montpellier Hérault Rugby against Ulster Rugby. England's own Matthew Carley, in his sixth EPCR assignment this season, will take the helm as referee. Assisting him on the sidelines will be Andrea Piardi from Italy and Craig Evans from Wales, while Scotland’s Mike Adamson will serve as the Television Match Official (TMO).
"As we approach the Finals weekend and bring another thrilling international club rugby season to a close, our priority remains maintaining high standards through consistent decision-making, transparency and accountability." - Tony Spreadbury, EPCR Head of Match Officials
The following day, Saturday, sees Karl Dickson stepping into the limelight for the Investec Champions Cup Final between Leinster Rugby and Union Bordeaux Bègles. It marks a significant milestone as Dickson's first EPCR Final appointment as referee. He will be supported by assistant referees Christophe Ridley (England) and Hollie Davidson (Scotland), with Marius van der Westhuizen from South Africa acting as TMO.
The selection of these officials, spearheaded by EPCR Head of Match Officials Tony Spreadbury in collaboration with union selectors, reflects a commitment to excellence and integrity in the sport. Spreadbury emphasized the importance of upholding rigorous standards to foster a deeper understanding and respect among coaches, broadcasters, and fans alike.
EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay expressed his enthusiasm for the appointments, stating, "I’m delighted to congratulate Matthew and Karl on their appointments as referees for the EPCR Challenge Cup and Investec Champions Cup Finals, and to extend those congratulations to their respective officiating teams. I’d like to thank Tony and his team for their outstanding work throughout the season, culminating in what will be a sensational EPCR Finals weekend."
This celebration of top-tier rugby officiating sets the stage for what promises to be a memorable weekend in Bilbao, showcasing not only the skills of the players but the pivotal role of match officials in delivering a fair and exciting competition.
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The stage is set for an exhilarating culmination of European club rugby as the EPCR has unveiled the match officials for the forthcoming Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals in Bilbao. The spotlight shines on English referees Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley, tasked with overseeing these pinnacle matches at the iconic San Mamés Stadium.
This weekend promises a rugby spectacle beginning with the EPCR Challenge Cup Final on Friday, featuring Montpellier Hérault Rugby against Ulster Rugby. England's own Matthew Carley, in his sixth EPCR assignment this season, will take the helm as referee. Assisting him on the sidelines will be Andrea Piardi from Italy and Craig Evans from Wales, while Scotland’s Mike Adamson will serve as the Television Match Official (TMO).
"As we approach the Finals weekend and bring another thrilling international club rugby season to a close, our priority remains maintaining high standards through consistent decision-making, transparency and accountability." - Tony Spreadbury, EPCR Head of Match Officials
The following day, Saturday, sees Karl Dickson stepping into the limelight for the Investec Champions Cup Final between Leinster Rugby and Union Bordeaux Bègles. It marks a significant milestone as Dickson's first EPCR Final appointment as referee. He will be supported by assistant referees Christophe Ridley (England) and Hollie Davidson (Scotland), with Marius van der Westhuizen from South Africa acting as TMO.
The selection of these officials, spearheaded by EPCR Head of Match Officials Tony Spreadbury in collaboration with union selectors, reflects a commitment to excellence and integrity in the sport. Spreadbury emphasized the importance of upholding rigorous standards to foster a deeper understanding and respect among coaches, broadcasters, and fans alike.
EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay expressed his enthusiasm for the appointments, stating, "I’m delighted to congratulate Matthew and Karl on their appointments as referees for the EPCR Challenge Cup and Investec Champions Cup Finals, and to extend those congratulations to their respective officiating teams. I’d like to thank Tony and his team for their outstanding work throughout the season, culminating in what will be a sensational EPCR Finals weekend."
This celebration of top-tier rugby officiating sets the stage for what promises to be a memorable weekend in Bilbao, showcasing not only the skills of the players but the pivotal role of match officials in delivering a fair and exciting competition.