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Bayonne and Stormers to feature in Investec Champions Cup first
By Jon Newcombe
Investec Champions Cup history will be made on Friday 5 December when established Test referee Nika Amashukeli is assisted by countrymen, Saba Abulashvili and Saba Makharadze, in the game between Bayonne and Stormers.
It will be the first time in the competition’s history that an all-Georgian team of match officials has taken charge of on-field matters. The clash at Parc des Sports Jean Dauger is one of two on the opening night, with Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors sharing the bill. Frenchman Pierre Brousset will have the whistle for that tie.
In a post on LinkedIn, Amashukeli highlighted the importance of the apppointment. “Really important milestone for Georgian Rugby and Refereeing. First time a full team of Georgian officials on Investec Champions Cup. Truly privileged,” he wrote.
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The Georgian trio have also been given a match in round two – Toulon’s home match against Bath.
Still only 31 years of age, Amashukeli was the first Georgian official to be involved in a Rugby World Cup in 2023, and then he achieved another major career milestone by refereeing last season’s Champions Cup final.
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