Referee Reveal: South Africans to Rule the Field in Bok-Barbarian Battle
SA Match Officials Appointed for Springboks vs Barbarians Showdown
A South African officiating team takes charge of Saturday’s match between the Springboks and Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium.
AJ Jacobs is the man in the middle, with Christopher Allison and Stephan Geldenhuys the assistant referees.
Egon Seconds is the TMO and Ben Crouse is in the bunker.
Saturday’s match does not have Test status, so neutral match officials are not a requirement
South Africa’s top rugby referees will take centre stage during the much-anticipated clash between the Springboks and the Barbarians in Cape Town, as SA Rugby has confirmed that a full team of South African match officials will officiate the high-profile fixture.
The showdown, scheduled for later this year at the DHL Stadium, has already generated significant excitement among rugby fans, with the Springboks facing off against the star-studded Barbarians in what promises to be a thrilling exhibition of flair, power, and national pride. The decision to appoint local officials reflects SA Rugby’s confidence in the country’s refereeing talent and provides them with a golden opportunity to perform on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
Veteran referee Jaco Peyper, who has officiated numerous international tests and World Cup matches, will take charge of the game. His experience and calm authority are seen as ideal for a contest likely to be fast-paced and unpredictable. Supporting Peyper on the field will be AJ Jacobs and Griffiths van Wyk as assistant referees, both of whom have built solid reputations on the domestic and international scene.
The Television Match Official (TMO) role will be filled by Marius Jonker, another seasoned campaigner who has been part of multiple international tournaments and test matches. His expertise in the review booth will ensure fair and accurate decision-making throughout the game.
SA Rugby’s Referees Manager, Vusimuzi Nhlapo, welcomed the appointments, saying, “It’s a proud moment for South African officiating. These appointments are a testament to the hard work and professionalism our referees have shown over the years. The Boks vs Barbarians clash will be a fantastic showcase of talent both on and off the field.”
The all-SA officiating team is expected to maintain the integrity and flow of a match that is as much a celebration of global rugby culture as it is a fierce contest.
