World Rugby has announced that South Africa’s Jaco Peyper will referee the Rugby World Cup 2023 opening match between hosts France and New Zealand at Stade de France on 8 September.
Jaco is the third South African after Jonathan Kaplan and Craig Joubert to handle 50 assignments having passed the 100 mark in 2019, This is a big nod to the fairness and brilliance of the proudly South African referee.
He began his career in 2011 when he officiated the match against Kenya and Zimbabwe which say Zimbabwe beat Kenya 21-26.
He has officiated two world cups in 2015 and 2019 making it his third appearance at the global show pieces.
However, he is not a debutant to opening matches having refereed the England versus Fiji opener at Rugby World Cup 2015 at Twickenham
Marius Jonker, a fellow South African, will serve as Television Match Official (TMO) alongside Jaco Peyper.
When asked what the best thing about being a referee is, Jaco said he gets the best seat in the house!
“A lot of great things! If I had to pick … the best seat in the house, developing your performance and character under pressure over time, and making so many lifelong friends from different cultures around the world.” – Jaco Peyper
