New Zealand vs Namibia referee: Who is Rugby World Cup official Luke Pearce?

The Englishman is one of the officials at the tournament

Harry Latham-Coyle
Friday 15 September 2023 15:21 BST
Comments
Referee Luke Pearce is one of the officials at the 2023 World Cup
Referee Luke Pearce is one of the officials at the 2023 World Cup (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England’s Luke Pearce is one of the officials at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Born in Wales but raised in Exeter, Pearce returns for a second tournament having been part of the officiating team four years ago in Japan.

The 35-year-old started his officating journey in Devon at the age of 16, and was refereeing in the second tier Championship by the age of 21.

A promotion to the Premiership swiftly followed before a step-up to test level in February 2013.

The depth in English refereeing has occasionally held Pearce back, with his highly communicative style and preference for pace well liked by players.

He took charge of first Premiership final earlier this year, overseeing Saracens’ win over Sale at Twickenham.

He is one of four English referees set to officiate games at this year’s tournament.

Which games is Luke Pearce refereeing at the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

Australia v Georgia – Pool C (9 September, Paris)

Referee: Luke Pearce (Eng)

ARs: James Doleman (NZ) & Craig Evans (Wal)

TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ire)

New Zealand v Namibia – Pool A (15 September, Toulouse)

Referee: Luke Pearce (Eng)

ARs: Andrew Brace (Ire) & Jordan Way (Aus)

TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ire)

South Africa v Tonga – Pool B (1 October, Marseille)

Referee: Luke Pearce (Eng)

ARs: Matthew Carley (Eng) & Christophe Ridley (Eng)

TMO: Brett Cronan (Aus)

Fiji v Portugal – Pool C (8 October, Toulouse)

Referee: Luke Pearce (Eng)

ARs: Jaco Peyper (SA) & Pierre Brousset (Fra)

TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wal)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in