XV of France – Attacked with a knife, younger than Gaël Fickou… Five things to know about Nika Amashukeli, the referee of France – New Zealand

• A playing career ended at 20

Now a central player in Rugby matches, Nika Amashukeli did not start with a whistle in his mouth, far from it. Indeed, the Georgian started his career as a player. A three-quarter center at Rugby Club Jiki since he was eleven years old, the native of Tbilisi sees his dreams come to an abrupt end as he accumulates knee problems. At only 20 years old, he was forced to end his playing career. But quickly retrained as a referee, inspired by Wayne Barnes and his performance during Georgia – Ireland during the 2007 World Cup.

• Younger than Gaël Fickou

Like last weekendthe Blues will be refereed by a “new” person. At 30 years old, Nika Amashukeli is one of the youngest officials on this November tour. And for good reason, there are a total of nine players younger than him on the French and New Zealand match sheets. On the French side Gaël Fickou, Romain Taofifenua and Charles Ollivon were born before the match took place this Saturday evening on the pitch at the Stade de France.

Also read:
XV of France – The composition of the Blues against New Zealand: first for Romain Buros, Gaël Fickou holder

• Survived a knife attack

This Dyonisian enclosure, the Georgian referee could never have known it. He narrowly escaped a disastrous fate in the exercise of his duties. In 2016, while he was on the whistle for a match between RC Armia and RC Batoumi, the end of the match turned into a disaster. Following a misunderstanding with the Batumi captain, the ball was ejected too early, allowing Armia to secure a draw at the siren. An angry “supporter” will then come down from the stands and stab the referee in the leg. Although the latter bleeds profusely and was very shocked by the event, he nevertheless decides to continue his career.

• Has already refereed the French team

The French XV will find a referee they already know against the All Blacks. Fabien Galthié's men were under the orders of Nika Amashukeli during the 2023 6 Nations Tournament. During the reception of the XV du Chardon in this same enclosure, the Georgian referee had to take his responsibilities twice, sanctioning Mohamed Haouas with a red card following a headerbut also Grant Gilchrist after shoulder-head contact. We hope that such sanctions will not be necessary for this shock of this fall tour.

• First Georgian referee to reach the highest level

Nika Amashukeli writes the history of Georgian rugby, but also of all the “Tier 2” nations. Never before him had a referee from a country not belonging to the major teams refereed a Tournament match. He also became the first Georgian to officiate during the 2021 Test Matches, during a Canada-Wales match. But even more impressive, the former center participated as a central referee at the last World Cup, notably with England – Japan in the group stage. A great CV, which will expand even further this Saturday at the Stade de France.