Major League Rugby (MLR) kicks off one again this weekend and the match officials are all back in play. Regular readers will remember that in 2019, the MLR used a home roster with guest officials from England, Wales and South Arica joining on exchange. This year, the home roster will dominate, although guest officials will once again feature. Jamie Nutbrown, from New Zealand, will be first up, bringing his Super Rugby and Junior World Cup experience to the group.
At their pre-season camp Match Official Manager, Richard Every, Technical Manager, Steve Lander and Director, Jeremy Turner, set out to build upon the first two seasons, and establish an approach on application to provide teams a more consistent product.
The group is further supported by long-time World Rugby Strength & Conditioning coach, Phil Dunne, Assistant Referee Manager, Marc Nelson and Riaan van Greuning as Assignments & Finance Manager.
Officials originally from nine countries will feature in the MLR, including Nutbrown (right), who refereed in Super Rugby and two Junior World Cups. “He is a great addition to the core referees, lending his experience, knowledge and support, as a referee and former first-class player,” said Turner. The #RefSquad also includes two-time final referee, Scott Green, Derek Summers, Luke Rogan, Chris Assmus, Moe Chaudhry, Lex Weiner, Mike O’Brien and Henrique Platais. All, except the Brazilian, Platais, are USA and Canada based.
Match Official Manager, Richard Every, added, “As we build Major League Rugby in North America, it is important that we do it as a group, teams and officials, to provide the best possible product, and we believe that this new level of transparency and accountability will facilitate a solid foundation as we work toward those goals.”
The third MLR season kicks off on Saturday with Nutbrown in the middle for a repeat of last season’s final between Seattle Seawolves and San Diego Legion.
Match Official Team 2020
Referees:
- Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)
- Scott Green
- Derek Summers
- Luke Rogan (Australia)
- Chris Assmus (Canada)
- Moe Chaudhry (Canada)
- Lex Weiner
- Mike O’Brien
- Henrique Platais (Brazil)
Assistant Referees:
- Amelia Luciano
- Robin Kaluzniak (Canada)
- Kat Roche
- Paul-Henri Courbier (France)
- Steve Gore
- Kahlil Harrison
- Marquise Goodwin
- Joey Swatzell
- Cisco Lopez
- Austin Reed
- Nick Tricarico
- Stuart Geiger
- Christopher Micheletti (Canada)
- Michael Jones (Canada)
- Joe Burpoe
- Rick Goldammer
- Mike Lawrenson
- Allen Alongi
- Butch Neuenschwander
- Greg Varnell
- Kage Green
- Denny Russell
- Pearce Mara
- Dave Edwards
TMO: Davey Ardrey (to be used in the play-offs onwards)
Referee Coaches:
- Andrew McMaster (Canada)
- Sean McDonaugh (Canada)
- Rob Debney (England)
Reviewers:
- Peter Watson
- Mike Kelly
- Amanda Cox
- Josh Houston
- Olivia Rogers
- Lee Johnson
- David Haines
- Jeremy McDowall
- Wendy Young
Citing Commissioners:
- David Pelton
- Dana Teagarden
- Jason Wallach
- Bruce Kuklinski
- Tim Ricketts
Judicial Officers:
- Alan Hudson
- Gary Heavner
- Matt Eason
- Jim Russell
Major League Rugby appointments – Round 1
NOLA Gold v Old Glory DC
Referee: Luke Rogan
ARs: Moe Chaudhry & Allen Alongi
Houston Sabercats v Colorado Raptors
Referee: Scott Green
ARs: Joey Swatzell & Greg Varnell
ATL Rugby v Utah Warriors
Referee: Derek Summers
ARs: Henrique Platais (Brazil) & Joe Burpoe
New England Freejacks v Rugby United New York
Referee: Chris Assmus (Canada)
ARs: Steve Gore & Austin Reed
San Diego Legion v Seattle Seawolves
Referee: Jamie Nutbrown (NZ)
ARs: Paul-Henri Courbier & Marquise Goodwin
Austin Gilgronis v Toronto Arrows
Referee: Lex Weiner
ARs: Scott Green & Butch Neuwanschwander