Nika Amashukeli Named Referee in Paris Triggers Late Change for France vs England Six Nations Clash

In a late switch for the Six Nations, nika amashukeli has been appointed to referee the France vs England clash in Paris after original match official Nic Berry was unable to travel to Europe amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Why the Appointment Changed

The officiating reshuffle puts a new face in charge of one of the championship’s most watched fixtures. Nic Berry’s travel constraints prompted organizers to turn to a fast-rising official with top-tier experience. The decision places the Paris match under the stewardship of an official whose progress has been closely followed across international rugby.

For nika amashukeli, the assignment extends his rapid rise in international refereeing. It also adds a layer of intrigue to a high-profile contest that often turns on fine margins and composure from the officiating crew as much as the players on the field.

Who Is Nika Amashukeli?

Nika Amashukeli made history at the 2023 Rugby World Cup as the first referee from Georgia to officiate at the tournament. At 31, he was also the youngest referee appointed to a men’s World Cup panel since Wayne Barnes in 2007, underscoring how quickly he has climbed the ranks.

His path to the whistle followed an early exit from playing. Amashukeli retired from the game at 20 after a series of concussions and injuries, pivoting to officiating and joining a structured effort to raise refereeing standards in Georgia. That program was developed in partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union, and he trained under veteran Irish referee David McHugh, who brought the perspective of three World Cups to his mentorship.

The Georgian official’s first international appointment came in July 2021, when he took charge of a match between Wales and Canada—his first involving a Tier One nation. Seven months later, he made his Six Nations debut, signaling his arrival as a trusted figure for major test fixtures.

The Officiating Team for Paris

In Paris, Amashukeli will be supported by an experienced crew drawn from multiple unions:

• Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland) and Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
• Television Match Official: Brett Cronan (Australia)
• FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)

The composition of the team reflects the tournament’s broad officiating pool and the confidence placed in emerging referees. The growing recognition of Amashukeli’s work also highlights how the landscape of test officiating is evolving, with diversity and new talent stepping into marquee assignments.

With a high-stakes rivalry on the line, attention will fall on game management, communication, and consistency at the breakdown—areas where the referee’s approach can shape tempo and discipline. For France and England, clarity from the whistle will matter as much as tactical execution, and for Amashukeli, the Paris appointment is another chance to build on a breakout period at the elite level.