Mathieu Raynal will run the rule over Wales versus England as the 2023 Guinness Six Nations resumes after rest week.
Round 3 could be crucial in deciding the destiny of this year’s Championship and the Frenchman has the honour of officiating one of the great fixtures in rugby history.
It is the first time Raynal will oversee Wales against England and his eighth Guinness Six Nations match as referee.
Compatriot Pierre Brousset and Ireland’s Andrew Brace have been appointed as his assistants, while Brian MacNeice is on TMO duties.
Earlier on Saturday, Mike Adamson is the man in the middle as Italy take on Ireland in Rome, with Andy Farrell’s men hoping to continue their perfect start to the 2023 Championship.
It is a multi-national officiating team at the Stadio Olimpico, with Englishman Wayne Barnes and Welshman Craig Evans serving as Adamson’s assistants, plus South African Marius Jonker on TMO.
Finally on Sunday, Nika Amashukeli will take charge of his second Guinness Six Nations match when Gregor Townsend’s Scotland travel to Paris hoping to make it three from three.
The Georgian was the man in the middle for Ireland’s win over Italy last year, and RFU official Karl Dickson will be his able assistant along with FIR’s Andrea Piardi.
Ben Whitehouse from the WRU is handed TMO responsibilities at the Stade de France, with the hosts eager to restart their incredible winning streak after defeat in Dublin a fortnight ago.
ROUND 3
Italy v Ireland (Stadio Olimpico, Rome; Saturday 25 February – 2.15pm)
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
Assistant Referee 1: Wayne Barnes (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Craig Evans (WRU)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SARU)
Wales v England (Principality Stadium, Cardiff; Saturday 25 February – 4.45pm)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FFR)
Assistant Referee 1: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Pierre Brousset (FFR)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)
France v Scotland (Stade de France, Paris; Sunday 26 February – 3pm)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
Assistant Referee 1: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
