Who is this little-known referee who will direct the Blues match?

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It's a face you're not used to seeing: the Argentinian Damian Schneider was chosen by World Rugby to be the France-Japan refereefirst match of the fall tour of the XV of France. It is even the only meeting of this international period where he will officiate as the main referee. Here's what you need to know about him.

He had to quit rugby at 17

Holder of a lawyer's degree, Damian Schneider, born in Rosario, was forced to quit rugby at 17. Not after being seriously injured on the field, but after doctors diagnosed him with a hereditary lower back problem.

“I was advised against doing contact sports and it was difficult at 17 to hear myself say that. The only thing I wanted was to stay connected to rugby.” Damian Schneider then decided to go into arbitration. With success. He joined the international circuit very early, in 2015, notably directing numerous rugby sevens matches.

Rising Argentinian referee

This France-Japan is the first match between two Tier 1 teams that Damian Schneider, 31, will lead. A rise in power for him, having participated as a sideline referee in his first Rugby Championship last summer.

Damian Schneider, linked to the Argentine Federation, is seen in the country as the element which can allow Argentina to have a little visibility on the international scene. Imagine that no Argentine referee has been selected for the World Cup since the edition… 2003.

Already lined up twice during the matches of the XV of France

Damian Schneider will not meet the XV of France for the first time in its history. Indeed, he has already been in contact with Fabien Galthié's men, since he officiated as a touchline referee during France-Wales and France-England of the 2024 6 Nations Tournament.

He refereed in Pro D2 and Top 14

Being bilingual in English, Damian Schneider was called upon to officiate during MLR matches in the United States. As part of exchanges, in February 2024 he directed the Pro D2 match, Vannes-Béziers, but also the 1^is March Provence Rugby-Colomiers. Recently, we saw him in the Top 14, during the La Rochelle-Stade Français meeting.

He officiated the 2023 U20 World Cup final

Damian Schneider also remains a good memory for French rugby. Indeed, he was the referee of the U20 World Cup final which saw the Bleuets correct Ireland (50-14).

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