Emirates Match Official Panel Confirmed for World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026

The World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026, set to kick off in Georgia next month, has announced its Emirates Match Officials panel and pool stage appointments. A total of 12 referees and four Television Match Officials have been selected, representing 14 national unions for the expanded age-grade tournament. The championship will be held from June 27 to July 18 in the Georgian cities of Tbilisi and Kutaisi.

The selected referees include Christopher Allison (South Africa), Kevin Bralley (France), Ruairidh Campbell (Scotland), Ben Connor (Wales), Gonzalo de Achaval (Argentina), Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland), Reuben Keane (Australia), Saba Makharadze (Georgia), Luke Rogan (USA), George Selwood (England), David Vosalevu (Fiji), and Morgan White (Hong Kong China). Notably, Keane and White have prior experience in the World Rugby U20 Championship, while Campbell and Jenkinson have also officiated in significant international matches.

Four Television Match Officials complete the panel: Matt Rodden (Hong Kong China), Aled Griffiths (Wales), Paulo Duarte (Portugal), and Francisco González (Uruguay). Griffiths previously served in this role in Italy, while the other three have officiated at Olympic Games and are now progressing in the 15s pathway. World Rugby Talent ID Manager Johnny Lacey emphasized that the selection highlights the talent emerging through the organization's pathway system and acknowledged the contributions of regional managers in developing these officials.

Saba Makharadze of Georgia will officiate the opening match between Argentina and the USA in Tbilisi, while Jenkinson will oversee Italy versus Scotland in Kutaisi. The tournament will feature 16 of the world's top junior rugby teams competing across the two host cities. South Africa enters as the defending champion, having won the 2025 final, and also holds the U20 Rugby Championship title. France secured their U20 Six Nations title earlier this year.

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The selection of this panel highlights the officials that are coming through our pathway system. It’s great to see all of World Rugby’s regional associations and regional competitions represented.