Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals get English referees

The referees for the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals have been confirmed, with Karl Dickson taking charge of European rugby’s showcase event.

Dickson will officiate Bordeaux-Begles’ meeting with Leinster at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium, and will be assisted by fellow Englishman Christophe Ridley and Hollie Davidson (Scotland), with Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa) serving as TMO.

Matthew Carley will take charge of the Challenge Cup final the day before, between Montpellier and Ulster at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium, making it an English double act for the finals. He will be supported by assistant referees Andrea Piardi (Italy) and Craig Evans (Wales), with Mike Adamson (Scotland) the TMO.

The final will be the second knockout match Dickson has refereed in the Champions Cup this season, having officiated Toulon’s victory over Glasgow Warriors in the quarter-final stage at Scotstoun. It will also be the second match for the reigning champions he has presided over, having been referee for Bordeaux’s round one triumph over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

The Challenge Cup final, meanwhile, will be the first match in the competition that Carley has worked in all season.

Fixture

Investec Champions Cup

Leinster

06:45

23 May 26

Bordeaux

All Stats and Data

“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,” EPCR Head of Match Officials Tony Spreadbury said.

“Working closely with the sport’s key stakeholders, we are dedicated to strengthening standards and promoting a shared understanding among coaches, broadcasters and supporters.”

EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay added: “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.”