World Rugby has revealed alterations to the officiating team for the Italy vs. Scotland encounter in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024 on March 9th. Jaco Peyper, originally slated to officiate and hailing from South Africa, has been forced to withdraw due to an Achilles injury sustained during the Rugby World Cup in October.
In Peyper’s absence, Australian referee Angus Gardner will assume the role for the match at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. The adjusted officiating lineup now features Gardner as the referee, accompanied by Karl Dickson and Adam Leal from England as assistant referees. Marius van der Westhuizen from South Africa will serve as the Television Match Official (TMO).
Peyper’s injury occurred during the Rugby World Cup, where he officiated the opening match between France and the All Blacks in September and later presided over the Wales vs. Argentina quarter-final clash in Marseille. The incident leading to his withdrawal transpired when, during the Wales vs. Argentina quarter-final, he sustained a left leg injury while evading an earlier Argentine ruck following Dan Biggar’s conversion.
At that moment, with the clock stopped at 15:25 and Wales leading 7-0, Peyper communicated his injury to the captains, Julian Montoya of Argentina and Jac Morgan of Wales. He explained the necessity to leave the field due to a calf injury incurred while awkwardly avoiding a Montoya carry. Subsequently, Karl Dickson replaced Peyper as the referee for the quarter-final after a brief examination on the touchline.
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