World Rugby has confirmed the match officials for the November fixtures of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup 2026, with 18 referees from 11 unions appointed to oversee 18 matches across Europe and Hong Kong.

The competition resumes on November 6 and runs until November 21, bringing together 12 nations competing for the inaugural title as teams continue preparations for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Georgia and the United States currently lead their respective pools as the only unbeaten sides following three rounds of competition in July.

The Nations Cup forms part of World Rugby’s revamped international calendar, designed to provide consistent, high-level competition for the world’s leading teams and emerging rugby nations ahead of the expanded 24-team World Cup in 2027.

The November matches will be hosted across England, France, Georgia, Hong Kong, Portugal, Romania and Spain, with officials appointed to gain experience in matches involving teams they could encounter at the World Cup.

Australian referee Angus Gardner will officiate the opening match between Romania and Tonga at Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest on November 6.

Welsh referee Ben Breakspear will oversee the competition’s final match, with Zimbabwe taking on Chile at Stade Chanzy in Angoulême, France, on November 21.

World Rugby has also confirmed appointments for five representative fixtures scheduled across October and November.

Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli will take charge of Japan against Fiji in Tokyo on October 24. The fixture will be a rematch of the recent Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup final, which Japan won 20–15.

Japanese referee Katsuki Furuse and Argentine official Damián Schneider will oversee the two USA versus Australia A matches in Nashville on October 24 and New Jersey on October 30, respectively.

Amashukeli has also been appointed to referee England A against Argentina XV in Bath on November 6, while England’s George Selwood will officiate Ireland XV against Fiji A in Cork on November 20.

The appointments highlight World Rugby’s continued focus on developing match officials and ensuring international teams receive experienced refereeing coverage as the sport builds towards the 2027 World Cup.