Who is the Lions vs Australia referee? Nika Amashukeli takes charge of the final Test match with the Lions 2-0 up.
Who is Lions vs Australia referee today?
Born in Tbilisi in 1994, Nika Amashukeli grew up a football fan like most kids in Georgia—but everything changed when he was 11. That year, his father sat him down in front of the TV and “literally forced” him to watch Ireland v Georgia during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
One match was all it took. He was hooked.
From that moment, Amashukeli’s life pivoted to rugby. He took up the sport himself and went on to represent Georgia at U17, U18, and U19 level, even earning a spot in the squad for the 2012 European Under-18 Championship. But a brutal string of injuries—five concussions, a broken ankle, and chronic knee issues—forced him to retire aged just 20.
Still, his love for the game never faded. Instead, it evolved.
A new path emerges
In 2015, Amashukeli swapped boots for a whistle, taking charge of his first Test match when he refereed the first half of Montenegro v Estonia in the European Nations Cup Third Division.
He steadily built his reputation, officiating at the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina before sharing the pitch with his refereeing hero, Wayne Barnes, during the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup.
A year later, he etched his name into the history books.
In July 2021, Amashukeli became the first Georgian to referee a tier one international as he took charge of Wales v Canada in Cardiff. That year, he also oversaw Ireland v Japan, Barbarians v Tonga, and Wales v Australia. The following season brought another milestone: his first Six Nations appearance as Ireland demolished Italy in Dublin. He returned for the 2023 Championship, cementing his status as one of the sport’s rising officiating stars.
The night that almost ended it all
But Amashukeli’s journey nearly ended before it ever really began.
In 2016, during a Didi 10 domestic match between Armia and Batumi, chaos erupted after a dramatic finish saw Armia snatch a last-gasp draw. Miscommunication over the match time left the Batumi players—and their fans—furious.
“There was no official timekeeping—referees controlled the time,” Amashukeli later told The Telegraph. “I told one of the captains there were four minutes left. He misheard and thought I said two. They kicked it out after two minutes thinking it was over. But there were still two minutes to go. The other team took the line-out, won a penalty, and drew the match.”
The fallout was terrifying.
Supporters accused him of cheating. The crowd turned. Abuse and threats escalated. Then, in the middle of the chaos, someone pulled a knife.
“I felt something in my leg,” he recalled. “I looked down—blood was pouring out. I had been stabbed.”
The attacker was never found.
Shaken and hospitalised, Amashukeli thought about walking away from the sport for good. But after recovering, he made the bravest decision of all: to keep going.
Since then, he hasn’t looked back.
Sat 2 Aug 2025 – Test Match 3
Australia v The B&I Lions (Sydney)
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
ARs: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
EDITORS PICKS:
Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, England get easy group
he tournament’s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.
Here’s a breakdown of the predicted groups and team bios for the RWC 2027:
🏆 Group A
South Africa 🇿🇦
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.
Argentina 🇦🇷
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they’re known for big-game upsets.
Samoa 🇼🇸
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa’s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.
Tonga 🇹🇴
The ‘Ikale Tahi’ bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.
🌍 Group B
New Zealand 🇳🇿
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction—three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.
Scotland 🏴
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.
Japan 🇯🇵
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.
Chile 🇨🇱
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.
Like this:
Like Loading…