Ireland vs New Zealand Referee, Ex-Premiership Player, Caused Controversy During Six Nations

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Yesterday at 04:50 AM

This Ireland vs New Zealand referee has been confirmed for this Friday nights Autumn Nations Series clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

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The whistle goes to Australian official Nic Berry, and he's got quite the story. Once a talented scrum half, Berry played Super Rugby, enjoyed stints in the French Top 14, and had a spell in England's Premiership with Wasps.

But his career was tragically cut short in the 2011/12 season due to a series of concussions. Following medical advice, Berry hung up his boots earlier than planned.

Fast-Track Referee

Berry didn't wait around. He jumped straight into refereeing and swiftly rose through Australia's officiating ranks. In April 2016, he made his Super Rugby debut as a ref.

It didn't take long before he made his mark internationally, and by 2019, he was part of the elite refereeing team selected for the World Cup in Japan, alongside fellow Aussie Angus Gardner. The duo even repeated the feat for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

British & Irish Lions Drama

Despite all the accolades, Berry's career has had its stormy moments. During the heated 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, Berry officiated the first Test in Cape Town.

\Things escalated when a video made by Springbok director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, leaked, highlighting Berry's decision-making with scathing criticism. Erasmus faced consequences, being banned from all rugby activities for two months after he was found guilty of threatening the referee. Berry himself testified, stating the episode left his reputation with "irreparable damage."

Friday night, under the bright lights of Aviva Stadium, all eyes will be on Nic Berry once again.

This weekend’s referee’s, including Ireland vs New Zealand referee

Bristol v Australia XV
Referee: Craig Evans (Wal)
ARs: Sara Cox (Eng) & George Selwood (Eng)
TMO: Dan Jones (Eng)

Ireland vs New Zealand referee
Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)
ARs: Karl Dickson (Eng) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Aus)

Hong Kong China v Brazil
Referee: Reuben Keane (Aus)
ARs: Katsuki Furuse (Jpn) & Morgan White (HK)

England v Australia
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (NZR)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Paul Williams (NZ)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZR)

France v Japan
Referee: Damian Schneider (Arg)
ARs: Luke Pearce (Eng) & James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZR)

Italy v Argentina
Referee: Matt Carley (Eng)
ARs: Andrew Brace (Ire) & Adam Leal (Eng)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Sco)

Spain v Uruguay
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ire)
ARs: Chris Busby (Ire) & TBC
TMO: Quinton Immelman (SA)

Romania v Tonga
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
ARs: Morné Ferreira (Sco) & Federico Vedovelli (Ita)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)

Portugal v USA
Referee: Sam Grove White (Sco)
ARs: Takehito Namekawa (Jpn) & TBC
TMO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)

Canada v Chile
Referee: Angus Mabey (NZ)
ARs: Morné Ferreira (Sco) & Federico Vedovelli (Ita)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)

Georgia v All Blacks XV
Referee: Jordan Way (Aus)
ARs: Jeremy Rozier (Fra) & Aimee Barrett Theron (SA)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ire)

Wales v Fiji
Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)
ARs: Pierre Brousset (Fra) & Hollie Davidson (Sco)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Scotland v South Africa
Referee: Christophe Ridley (Eng)
ARs: Angus Gardner (Aus) & Craig Evans (Wal)
TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)

Bookies Reckon This is the Lions Squad for the 2025 Aussie Tour – And Some Picks Will Surprise You

The British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2025 is generating excitement, with bookies now tipping a likely squad.

While a few seasoned players seem almost guaranteed, there are some unexpected names rumored to earn their stripes.

2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)

BACK-THREE (6)

The back-three boasts a dynamic mix, with Duhan van der Merwe and James Lowe bringing powerful running and finishing ability. Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are tipped to add youthful flair and speed, while Hugo Keenan and Darcy Graham round out the squad with their solid defensive skills.

Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 8/11
Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1

CENTRE (4)

In the centre, Bundee Aki is a strong favorite for his physicality, while Ollie Lawrence has made a name for himself with his impressive form. Sione Tuipulotu and Robbie Henshaw provide additional versatility and experience.

Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11

FLY-HALVES (3)

The fly-half selection highlights Finn Russell's creativity and flair, with Marcus Smith and George Ford both showcasing tactical nous and playmaking ability.

Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
George Ford (England) – 8/11

SCRUM-HALVES (3)

A competitive scrum-half group sees Jamison Gibson-Park favored for his quick service and decision-making, while Alex Mitchell and Ben White are both strong contenders.

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 8/11
Alex Mitchell (England) – 11/10
Ben White (Scotland) – 11/10

PROP (3)

The front row is anchored by stalwarts like Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter, while Ellis Genge and Joe Marler add depth and experience.

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 1/8
Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/7
Zander Fagerson (Scotland) – 4/11
Ellis Genge (England) – 4/6
Joe Marler (England) – 5/6
Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) – 5/4

HOOKER (3)

With Dan Sheehan leading the way, the hookers are expected to be agile and mobile, crucial for the fast-paced style of play the Lions aim to adopt.

Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 1/10
Jamie George (England) – 8/15
Elliot Dee (Wales) – 6/5

LOCK (5)

In the locks, Maro Itoje remains a cornerstone, complemented by Tadhg Beirne's athleticism and versatility.

Maro Itoje (England) – 1/33
Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) – 1/10
Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 4/6
Ollie Chessum (England) – 8/11
George Martin (England) – 11/10

BACK-ROW (6)

Finally, the back row combines experience and dynamism, with Josh van der Flier and Courtney Lawes bringing a wealth of international experience and physicality.

Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/5
Ben Earl (England) – 1/5
Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
Courtney Lawes (England) – 8/15
Tommy Reffell (Wales) – 4/6
Rory Darge (Scotland) – 6/4

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