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Major League Rugby has confirmed a senior panel of nine referees for the 2020 season. Included in the group are five of the 11 referees from 2019, one returnee from the inaugural 2018 season, and three newcomers to the panel.
Scott Green is the most experienced man on the panel with 23 matches in the middle including both Championship Finals. Derek Summers and Luke Rogan return for a third campaign while Lex Weiner and Canada’s Moe Chaudhry each made their refereeing debuts last season. A second Canadian, Chris Assmus, returns after missing out in 2019.
The newcomers each boast international experience. Mike O’Brien was used as an assistant in four matches last season but is now promoted to the senior panel. Set to experience MLR for the first time are New Zealand’s Jamie Nutbrown and Brazil’s Henrique Platais.
A group of 24 officials have been named in the assistants pool. Only one – Paul-Henri Courbier – has MLR experience in the middle. Ten are entirely new to the competition. Davey Ardrey is the lone TMO nominated when the technology is implemented at the knockout stage.
Along with the on-field officials are three referee coaches and, new this year, nine reviewers. Also new is an enhanced review process that will see team coaches given access to video sessions and given the ability to submit clips for discussion during weekly meetings.
MLR REFEREES 2020
Chris Assmus (Canada, 5), Moe Chaudhry (Canada, 2), Scott Green (USA, 23), Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand, 0), Mike O’Brien (USA, 0), Henrique Platais (Brazil, 0), Luke Rogan (USA, 14), Derek Summers (USA, 16), Lex Weiner (USA, 1)
