Andrea Piardi will take charge of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final for a remarkable fourth consecutive year, underlining his standing as one of the game's most respected officials.
At just 33, the Italian referee has already broken new ground, becoming the first official from Italy to referee in the Guinness Six Nations, the Rugby Championship and a British & Irish Lions series.
Piardi first picked up a whistle at the age of 17 and, following a knee injury that curtailed his playing career with hometown club Brescia, committed fully to refereeing in 2012. His rise through the ranks was swift. Within four years, he was officiating in Italy’s top domestic competition before making his Vodacom URC debut in 2019.
His international breakthrough came in 2024 when he took charge of his first Six Nations fixture between Ireland and Wales. A year later, he was appointed to referee the crucial second Test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne.
Now, Piardi returns to the biggest stage in club rugby once again, becoming the first referee to oversee four consecutive Vodacom URC Grand Finals.
Leinster Rugby v Vodacom Bulls
Croke Park, Dublin – KO 19.30 IRE & UK / 20.30 ITA & SA
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 63rd league game)
AR 1: Adam Jones (WRU) AR 2: Ben Breakspear (WRU)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)