The New Zealand vs South Africa referee for this weekend’s blockbuster Rugby Championship clash at Eden Park has been confirmed.

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It’s world No.1 against world No.2, a repeat of the Rugby World Cup final, and arguably the biggest Test of the year for the All Blacks as they face fierce rivals the Springboks in Auckland.

The man in the middle will be Karl Dickson, a former professional scrum-half who represented Harlequins and Bedford Blues before turning to refereeing.

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Who is Karl Dickson?

Dickson enjoyed a long playing career, making more than 100 appearances for Bedford Blues and 169 outings for Harlequins. During his time at The Stoop, the director of rugby described him as “among the best five scrum-halves in the country”.

He was even called up by England during the 2012 Six Nations and the summer tour of South Africa that year. While he never won a cap, he did play in a midweek match against the South Africa Northern Barbarians – replacing his younger brother Lee, who himself won 18 England caps and played more than 250 games for Northampton Saints.

From player to referee

After hanging up his boots in 2017, Dickson quickly transitioned into officiating. Having started his refereeing journey in schools and local league rugby three years earlier, he joined the RFU’s professional match officials team.

He steadily rose through the ranks, taking charge of A-League and Premiership matches before making his international refereeing debut in 2018 when Georgia faced Samoa.

Two years later, he took charge of his first Tier One Test in a France v Wales clash. By 2022, he was promoted into the Six Nations, where he refereed France’s 36-17 victory over Scotland. He also officiated at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

ITV controversy at Rugby World Cup

Dickson hit headlines during the opening match of the 2023 World Cup when a refereeing error forced broadcasters ITV to issue a clarification.

As France closed out a famous win over New Zealand, Melvyn Jaminet lined up a late conversion. Confusion reigned as one assistant referee raised their flag and the other didn’t.

Dickson ruled the kick successful, but post-match clarification confirmed it had actually gone wide.

Presenter Mark Pougatch told viewers:
*”For the accuracy of your World Cup wall chart, actually the final score was 27-13. There was a debate about whether the final conversion went over. One touch judge put his flag up, one didn’t.

It has now been confirmed it didn’t go over. Jaminet thought he had converted his own try but it has been confirmed it didn’t so it is not France’s biggest win over New Zealand.”*

The Danny Care controversy

The New Zealand vs South Africa referee also found himself at the centre of a domestic storm last year when he failed to send off his former Harlequins teammate Danny Care.

Care, who had already been yellow-carded for a head-on-head tackle on Courtney Lawes, appeared to commit another clear offence against Northampton Saints. Many expected Dickson to issue a second yellow, but after a scuffle broke out, Care escaped punishment.

Ugo Monye challenged Care after the game:
“We’ve been discussing the potential second yellow card that you didn’t get from your old team-mate, Karl Dickson. What did you make of it, Danny?”

Care replied:
“I thought the ball was out. I’m trying to get the ball,” before admitting: “There was a little fracas after which maybe helped me out.”

Lawrence Dallaglio, however, was far from impressed:
“I spent a lot of time on a yellow card and I can assure you after a line break, that is a stonewall yellow card.”

Monye added, watching Care smirk as he left the field:
“That’s the face of someone that knows he’s got away with one!”

Match officials for New Zealand vs South Africa

Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (GRU), Jordan Way (RA)
Television Match Official: Brett Cronan (RA)
Split Screen/FPRO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)

The spotlight will firmly be on Karl Dickson as the New Zealand vs South Africa referee, tasked with controlling one of the fiercest rivalries in world sport at Eden Park.

“Dad was the best” – Six rugby sons who failed to match their father’s achievements

In rugby, legacy is a powerful force—but not always a guarantee of success.

These six sons of rugby legends had the world at their feet but ultimately fell short of matching their fathers’ towering achievements.

Cameron Redpath (Son of Bryan Redpath)

Cameron Redpath, son of former Scotland captain Bryan Redpath, began his career with promise. He represented England at age-group levels before switching to Scotland, earning 14 caps and playing in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

However, his career has been marred by a series of major surgeries, including two ACL reconstructions and multiple shoulder and neck operations. These setbacks have limited his playing time and hindered his ability to reach the heights of his father’s illustrious career.

Despite his resilience and determination, Redpath’s injuries have prevented him from becoming a mainstay in the Scotland team.

Louis Lynagh (Son of Michael Lynagh)

Louis Lynagh, son of Australian World Cup winner Michael Lynagh, has carved out his own path in rugby. He represented England at age-group levels before making his Six Nations debut for Italy, scoring a try against Scotland.

While he has shown promise, Lynagh has not yet achieved the same level of success as his father, who earned 72 caps and was a key figure in Australia’s 1991 World Cup victory.

His international career is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen if he can reach the heights of his father’s legacy.

New Zealand vs South Africa referee played for England and has famous brother