Rugby Europe has announced that former Italian international referee, Carlo Damasco is to become its new Referee Manager, effective immediately.
Damasco, pictured left in FIR action in 2015, joins Rugby Europe from the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR), where he has been a central figure in referee development and high-performance pathways for more than a decade. FIR has described Carlo as one of Italy’s most accomplished refereeing figures, highlighting his leadership, technical excellence and deep commitment to the values of the game.
Damasco refereed two Test Matches and officiated at two Rugby World Cups – 2007 in France and 2011 in New Zealand – alongside appointments in Six Nations, Tri-Nations, major Test Matches and Europe’s top club competitions. He is a World Rugby Educator and Trainer, widely respected for his ability to translate elite performance standards into sustainable referee development structures.
Carlo will continue and build upon the strong foundations established by Joël Dume, who’s role has been on a consultancy basis for the last few years. He begins immediately, attending this weekend’s Rugby Europe Super Cup Finals in Amsterdam.
Speaking on his appointment, Damasco said, “Working across 49 member unions, each with its own rugby culture, is both a great honour and a significant professional responsibility. My focus will be on supporting collective growth at all levels, while respecting the identity of each nation. I would like to thank the Rugby Europe Leadership for the trust placed in me, and to pay tribute to Joël Dumé for the outstanding work he has done.”
Jens Aage Skare Nielsen, interim CEO of Rugby Europe, added, “We are delighted to welcome Carlo to Rugby Europe. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the international game make him ideally placed to build on the strong foundations established by Joël Dume together with our member unions. I would like to sincerely thank Joël for his contribution and warmly welcome Carlo to the team.”
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