EPCR confirm semi-final referee appointments as well as ‘enhanced in-stadium fan experience’

Louis Chapman Coombe 28 Apr 2025 12:43 PM

Referee Andrew Brace awarding a scrum during a Test match in 2024 — Andrew Brace refereeing a Test match in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series

EPCR have confirmed the referee appointments for the upcoming Champions and Challenge Cup semi-finals, while also revealing that the TMO reviews and decisions will be broadcast live in the stadiums.

This comes after successful trials during the Autumn Nations Series, Six Nations, Premiership and URC matches throughout the 2024/25 season, but is the first time it will be done in European competition.

ECPR announcement

Commenting on the news, Tony Spreadbury, EPCR’s head of match officials, said: “Allowing fans to hear how decisions are made on the pitch will enhance the matchday experience and help educate spectators in real time.

“It’s an exciting step towards making the game more accessible to newcomers, and we’re thrilled to introduce this feature during such a pivotal stage of the competition.”

EPCR have also confirmed this will also take place for the Challenge and Champions Cup finals in Cardiff on the May 23 and 24, respectively.

For the upcoming Champions Cup semi-finals, Pierre Brousset of France will take charge of Leinster’s clash with Northampton Saints at the Aviva Stadium – a repeat of last year’s fixture at this stage.

Ireland’s Andrew Brace is the man in the middle for the second semi-final of the weekend as Bordeaux face defending champions Toulouse at the Matmut Atlantique – a repeat of last season’s Top 14 final.

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In the Challenge Cup, Georgia’s Nika Amashukeli will referee the clash between Edinburgh and Bath at Hive Stadium, with England’s Karl Dickson overseeing Lyon v Racing 92 at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.