World Rugby has announced the Emirates Match Official appointments for 22 men’s international matches scheduled between August and October, including the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between South Africa and New Zealand and the 2026 Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup in Japan.

Ireland’s Eoghan Cross will referee the opening match of the international window when Japan hosts Australia in Osaka on 8 August, while England’s Luke Pearce has been appointed to officiate the second Bledisloe Cup clash between Australia and New Zealand in Sydney on 17 October.

The opening three tests of the South Africa-New Zealand series will be overseen by Matthew Carley of England, Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli and Australia’s Angus Gardner. The matches will be played on 22 August, 29 August and 5 September in South Africa.

England’s Karl Dickson will referee the fourth and final test of the series in Baltimore, United States, on 12 September. The same group of officials will also oversee tour matches involving the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions.

The 2026 Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup begins on 12 September in Osaka, where Japan’s Katsuki Furuse will referee Fiji’s opening match against Canada. Australia’s Jordan Way has been appointed to officiate the clash between Japan and the United States.

World Rugby said referee appointments for the tournament’s final round in Tokyo on 19 September will be confirmed after the semi-finals determine the remaining fixtures.

In addition to the Pacific Nations Cup and the South Africa-New Zealand series, 10 other international matches, including nine test matches, will be played across five countries during the August to October window.