Referee Christophe Ridley takes charge of the final-round Six Nations clash between Wales and Italy in Cardiff.
The talented young Englishman joined the officiating panel as a lead official in 2024 after the retirement of Wayne Barnes, having worked closely with his compatriot during his career so far.
A former member of the academy at Leicester Tigers, Ridley switched to refereeing after a series of injuries and has developed quickly through the ranks after studying at the University of Gloucestershire.
Students on the sports scholarship programme at the university benefit from the expertise of three-time World Cup official Chris White, who helped both Ridley and fellow top official Matthew Carley develop.
Ridley’s Premiership debut came in 2018, taking charge of London Irish vs Wasps, and the 30-year-old travelled to last year’s World Cup as an assistant.
His Six Nations selection comes as one of four English referees appointed to games in the championship, with Carley, Karl Dickson and Luke Pearce all earning selection again.
Match officials for Wales vs Italy, Saturday 14 March (4.40pm GMT, Cardiff)
Referee: Christophe Ridley (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (Eng) & Eoghan Cross (Ire)
Television Match Official: Mike Adamson (Sco)
Foul Play Review Officer: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
