Piardi to referee Vodacom URC Grand Final

Andrea Piardi will referee his third consecutive Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final this Saturday after the Italian was selected to oversee the clash between Leinster and the Vodacom Bulls at Croke Park in Dublin.

The 32-year-old takes on the appointment this weekend just a month before he makes history as the first Italian to referee a British & Irish Lions game when he holds the whistle for their second Test against Australia.

Piardi has made nine appearances in the league this season, bringing his total to 54 and while he may celebrate his third selection for a decider, he is still some way short of the record held by Nigel Owens of Wales who took charge of six league finals during his illustrious career.

Piardi has been a familiar face in the Vodacom URC Play-Offs in the past four seasons and his team of match officials will consist of Mike Adamson (SRU) and Sam Grove-White (SRU) as Assistant Referee 1 and 2, respectively. Matteo Liperini (FIR) will serve as Television Match Official. The team will have the combined experience of 198 league games.

Due to a policy of neutrality for match official appointments for the Grand Final, no Irish or South African referees could be considered.

The Carling Currie Cup First Division also kicks off this weekend, with matches in Gqeberha, Welkom and Potchefstroom, while the Rugby Africa Women's Cup is on the go in Madagascar, where the Springbok Women are defending their title.

Match official appointments to 14 June 2025

Vodacom United Rugby Championship Final

Saturday, 14 June 2025

Leinster vs Vodacom Bulls at Croke Park, Dublin - 18h00
Referee: Andrea Piardi
Assistant Referees: Mike Adamson, Sam Grove-White
Television Match Official: Matteo Liperini

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup

Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Springbok Women vs Kenya Women at Stade Makis, Antananarivo - 12h00
Referee: Julie Randriarimanana
Assistant Referees: Ronald Wutimber, Jeannie Volasoa Rasamison

Carling Currie Cup First Division

Saturday, 14 June 2025

Eastern Province vs Phangela SWD Eagles at NMU Stadium, Gqeberha - 15h00
Referee: Lulutho Matomela
Assistant Referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Phumzile Mbewu

NovaVit Griffons vs Valke at Down Touch Investment Stadium, Welkom - 15h00
Referee: Griffin Colby
Assistant Referees: Local appointments

Leopards vs Border Bulldogs at Olen Park, Potchefstroom - 15h00
Referee: Zoe Naude
Assistant Referees: Stephan Geldenhuys, Angie Bezuidenhout

Vodacom United Rugby Championship Vodacom URC Vodacom Bulls Leinster Croke Park Dublin Andrea Piardi

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