Six Nations referee change due to Middle East conflict as Scottish official called up
Travel disruption results in refereeing change for Rome clash
Australian referee Nic Berry has been withdrawn from the officiating team for the Italy v England Six Nations match this weekend due to severe travel disruptions caused by the escalating war in the Middle East.
Berry, who was scheduled to serve as an assistant referee in Rome, is unable to fly to Europe on safety grounds following the suspension of operations at major transit hubs in the Gulf.
The conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran has led to large-scale airspace closures and the cancellation of thousands of flights across the region.
As a result, World Rugby has reshuffled the team of officials for the Stadio Olimpico clash.
French referee Luc Ramos remains in charge and will make his Six Nations debut. Assistant referee Pierre Brousset (France) has been promoted from AR2 to AR1.
Scottish referee Sam Grove-White has been called up as the replacement AR2 official. It will mark an unscheduled second appearance of the tournament for Grove-White, who also performed AR2 duties in the match between Wales and France in Cardiff on February 15.
The Television Match Official (TMO) is Eric Gauzins (France).
Grove-White, from Montrose, made his Six Nations debut as an AR2 last year. He was presented with a referee’s cap by Scottish Rugby in December - awarded to those who have officiated at an international match in the men’s game involving a Tier 1 union.
Despite his withdrawal, Berry is still scheduled to referee the tournament finale between France and England on March 14 in Paris.
Meanwhile, the official Six Nations Championship trophy has been retired from ceremonial use after sustaining irreparable fire damage.
Tournament organisers confirmed that the trophy was damaged in a fire while in transit during round three of the tournament. The incident occurred in Ireland as the silverware was being moved as part of a promotional roadshow.
Following an assessment, it was determined the trophy could not be restored to its "full presentation standard".
The 2026 winners will still have a trophy-lifting moment, but they will be presented with an identical exhibition replica instead of the original silverware. A new, identical version of the trophy has been commissioned for the 2027 Championship.
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