World Rugby has confirmed the referee appointments for the Springboks' home Tests in the opening leg of the inaugural Nations Championship, with James Doleman, Pierre Brousset, and Andrew Brace being tasked with holding the whistle in the Boks’ three matches.
New Zealander Doleman takes charge of the Boks’ opener against England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 4 July, with Andrew Brace (Ireland) and Pierre Brousset (France) running touch, and Richard Kelly (New Zealand) being handed the TMO duties.
Brousset steps up as referee for the second Test, against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 11 July, with Doleman and Brace on the flags, and Kelly serving as the TMO.
Brace completes the team’s opening leg of the inaugural tournament, controlling the Boks' final home Test against Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on 18 July, with Brousset and Doleman running touch, and Hodges in the TMO box.
Looking back, Brace has refereed the Boks in seven Tests, with South Africa winning six of these; the Boks have won all three previous Tests under Doleman; while Brousset’s only prior involvement with the Boks has been as assistant referee.
Furthermore, South Africa’s Morne Ferreira (assistant referee) and Marius van der Westhuizen (TMO) were also appointed to some of the encounters.