Australian referees Nic Berry and Amy Perrett are amongst seven Australian referees given high-profile match-ups for the upcoming July Internationals.
Berry has been appointed referee for the opening British and Irish Lions Test against the Springboks, joined by Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) and Mattieu Raynal (France), each also performing Assistant Referee duties.
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Meanwhile, Perrett will serve as an assistant referee for Samoa v Maori All Blacks on June 26, joined by Berry and Graham Cooper.
Perrett's appointment marks the first time an Australian female match official has been selected to a men's Test match.
Rugby Australia’s National Referee Manager, Scott Young, said in a statement: “It’s fantastic to see so many of our officials appointed to Test matches.
“Nic Berry’s appointment to the first British and Irish Lions test match is a fantastic achievement. These matches only come around every 12 years and other than a World Cup, are considered the pinnacle of a referee’s career.
“Our Head Coach, Mitch Chapman has worked hard with the team and the results are driven by his holistic approach to coaching while Nic’s incredible work ethic on and off the field is testament to his appointment
“We are continuing to build depth in our referee team, and the officiating space is looking excellent for the future."
Berry is joined by Damon Murphy and Angus Gardner as they take charge of five matches between them, with Graham Cooper, Jordan Way and Perrett serving as assistant referees.
Murphy will officiate New Zealand's opening match against Tonga, with Berry and Gardner appointed for their two-test series against Fiji in Dunedin and Hamilton respectively.
As for the Wallabies' three-Test series against France, it will be an all-New Zealand group with quarantine restrictions and bubble requirements still in place.
This will see Paul Williams take the first game in Sydney, shortly followed by James Doleman in Melbourne, who will make his International debut.
The series will be rounded out at Suncorp Stadium with Ben O'Keeffe taking the whistle, with Glenn Newman and Brendon Pickerill sharing TMO duties.
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World Rugby Head of Match Officials Joel Jutge added: “With just over two years to go until Rugby World Cup 2023 and elite and international rugby returning around the world, the July internationals provide an important opportunity to build momentum, further develop our culture across the team of officials and focus on consistency of decision-making.
“I have been pleased by how the team of match officials have responded to the challenge of the pandemic despite several not being able to perform on the international stage.
"We have developed a strong bond and culture and we are ready for what will be a very busy July and August.”
