South Africa’s Jaco Peyper will referee the Rugby World Cup 2023 opening match between hosts France and New Zealand at Stade de France on 8 September.
South Africa (23 August 2023) – South Africa’s Jaco Peyper will referee the Rugby World Cup 2023 opening match between hosts France and New Zealand at Stade de France on 8 September. This is a big nod to the fairness and brilliance of the proudly South African referee.
According to World Rugby, Jaco Peyper holds the record of matches refereed in Super Rugby, having passed the 100 mark in 2019, and he is the third South African after Jonathan Kaplan and Craig Joubert to handle 50 tests. He started his career in 2011, refereeing Kenya 21-26 Zimbabwe.
He has refereed at two World Cups so far including 2015 and 2019. This year will be his third, which is an incredible accomplishment for his career.
When asked what the best thing about being a referee is, Jaco said he gets the best seat in the house!
“A lot of great things! If I had to pick … the best seat in the house, developing your performance and character under pressure over time, and making so many lifelong friends from different cultures around the world.” – Jaco Peyper
Jaco Peyper is joined by fellow South African Marius Jonker who will be Television Match Official (TMO).
Peyper is no stranger to opening matches, having refereed the England versus Fiji opener at Rugby World Cup 2015 at Twickenham. He will also use a special whistle presented by adventurer Ron Rutland, who is cycling 21,000 kilometres from Auckland to Paris to deliver the whistle and raise money for ChildFund Rugby.
Four referees will make their Rugby World Cup debuts this year with Australia’s Angus Gardner refereeing South Africa’s first game against Scotland in Pool B.
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