Australian referee Angus Gardner has withdrawn from the officiating team for the Springboks’ Test series with Ireland for “personal reasons”.
World Rugby confirmed on Monday that he will be replaced by English referee Luke Pearce.
No further reasons were given, but the move has necessitated an entire shift of referees across the international July window to accommodate the change.
Angus Gardner made his Test debut in 2011, officiating a match between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
He was named World Rugby Referee of the Year in 2018 and has officiated at three Rugby World Cups, in 2015, 2019 and 2023.
“World Rugby has confirmed that Angus Gardner (Australia) has withdrawn from officiating duties for the two-Test series between South Africa and Ireland for personal reasons. The Australian will be replaced by Luke Pearce (England) as referee for the first test and also as assistant referee for the second test,” a statement said.
“As a consequence of the change, there are also further amendments to the appointments, including Christophe Ridley (England), replacing Pearce as assistant referee for Japan v Georgia on 13 July.”
Officials for Springboks’ three Incoming Tests:
Saturday, 6 July
South Africa vs Ireland – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Mike Adamson (SRU)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Saturday, 13 July
South Africa vs Ireland – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Craig Evans (WRU)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)
Saturday, 20 July
South Africa v Portugal – Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
Assistant Referee 1: Craig Evans (WRU)
Assistant Referee 2: Mike Adamson (SRU)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)