Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Final match officials named as English duo handed Bilbao honour
English referees Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley.
EPCR has announced the match officials for next week’s Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Finals, with two English referees in the middle.
In what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of rugby at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium, the Challenge Cup meeting will be on Friday before the main event on Saturday.
England’s Matthew Carley will referee the EPCR Challenge Cup Final between Montpellier Hérault Rugby and Ulster Rugby. The fixture will mark the official’s sixth EPCR appointment of the season. Carley will be supported by Assistant Referees Andrea Piardi (Italy) and Craig Evans (Wales), with Mike Adamson (Scotland) serving as TMO.
Karl Dickson gets top job
On Saturday, May 23, fellow English official Karl Dickson is set to take charge of the Investec Champions Cup Final between Leinster Rugby and Union Bordeaux Bègles, marking his first EPCR Final appointment as referee. Dickson will be joined by Assistant Referees Christophe Ridley (England) and Hollie Davidson (Scotland), while Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa) will act as TMO.
The highly experienced team of Match Officials has been selected by EPCR Head of Match Officials Tony Spreadbury, in collaboration with union selectors.
Spreadbury said: “As we approach the Finals weekend and bring another thrilling international club rugby season to a close, our priority remains maintaining high standards through consistent decision-making, transparency and accountability.
“Working closely with the sport’s key stakeholders, we are dedicated to strengthening standards and promoting a shared understanding among coaches, broadcasters and supporters.”
Congratulations in order
Dominic McKay, EPCR Chairman, said: “I’m delighted to congratulate Matthew and Karl on their appointments as referees for the EPCR Challenge Cup and Investec Champions Cup Finals, and to extend those congratulations to their respective officiating teams.
“I’d like to thank Tony and his team for their outstanding work throughout the season, culminating in what will be a sensational EPCR Finals weekend.”
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