Overview
- World Rugby confirmed the main Test referees with Matthew Carley, Nika Amashukeli and Angus Gardner assigned to the three South African Tests and Karl Dickson set to referee the fourth Test in Baltimore.
- The same quartet will also officiate the All Blacks’ four provincial tour matches against the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions to provide continuity across midweek fixtures and Tests.
- Organisers have published the full match schedule and venues, which pair a Buenos Aires warm‑up and four provincial matches in South Africa with a four‑Test series that finishes in the United States.
- Both unions built enlarged and split squads so coaches can stage returning veterans and blood fringe players in warm‑ups and provincial games while referees from multiple unions manage a dense calendar.
- Coaches will use the Buenos Aires game and provincial fixtures to assess fitness and finalise Test selections, and consistent officiating could affect how matches are managed and which players secure places ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle.