The Georgian takes charge of the final game of the tour in Sydney
Nika Amashukeli takes charge of the third Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions in Sydney as the tour comes to an end.
The trailblazing Georgian has been given another marquee apppointment after making history at the World Cup in the autumn of 2023.
The 31-year-old became the first referee from Georgia to officiate at the event, and the youngest whistler since Wayne Barnes in 2007 to be appointed to a men’s World Cup panel.
Amashukeli represented Georgia at junior level as a centre, but was forced to retire at the age of 20 after a series of concussions and other injuries.
He was recruited as a referee as part of a new programme to improve officiating standards in the country, developed in partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union.
As part of that relationship, Amashukeli has been mentored by Irish official David McHugh, who refereed games at the 1995, 1999 and 2003 World Cups.
In July 2021, Amashukeli officiated Wales’ win over Canada, his first international appointment involving a Tier One nation.
A Six Nations debut followed seven months later, and Amashukeli has since forged a reputation as a referee of high potential. He operated as an assistant in the opening two games of the series.
Australia vs Lions match officials
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
Category: General Sports
