Andrea Piardi will referee his third consecutive URC Grand Final

Andrea Piardi will referee his third consecutive BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final this Saturday in Dublin’s Croke Park after the Italian was selected to oversee the clash between Leinster and the Vodacom Bulls.

The 32-year-old takes on the appointment this weekend just a month before he makes history as the first Italian to referee a British & Irish Lions game when he holds the whistle for their second Test versus Australia.

Piardi has made nine appearances in the league this season, bringing his total to 54 and while he may celebrate his third selection for a decider, he is still some way short of the record held by Nigel Owens of Wales who took charge of six league finals during his illustrious career.

Piardi has been a familiar face in the BKT URC Play-Offs in the past four seasons and his team of match officials will consist of Mike Adamson (SRU) and Sam Grove-White (SRU) as Assistant Referee 1 and 2, respectively. Matteo Liperini (FIR) will serve as Television Match Official. The team will have the combined experience of 198 league games.

Due to a policy of neutrality for match official appointments for the Grand Final, no Irish or South African referees could be considered.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

Leinster Rugby v Vodacom Bulls

Croke Park, Dublin – KO 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA & SA

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 55th league game)

AR 1: Mike Adamson (SRU)  AR 2: Sam Grove-White (SRU)

TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)