Peyper to ref France v England in Six Nations

London - World Rugby has announced the match official appointments for the 2018 Six Nations.

VIEW all the 2018 Six Nations match official appointments

A team of 18 referees/assistant referees and seven TMOs will take charge of the Six Nations matches, with France’s Pascal Gauzere refereeing the opener between Wales and Scotland in Cardiff on February 3.

On its official website, World Rugby reports that this is another important preparation stage on the road to Rugby World Cup 2019. The team of referees and assistant referees features a blend of experience and emerging talent following impressive performances during the November window.

Three South Africans will be on duty during the Six Nations.

Jaco Peyper has been appointed to referee the Test between France and England in Paris on March 10, with his countryman Marius van der Westhuizen appointed as an assistant referee for this match.

Peyper and Van der Westhuizen will also serve as assistant referees for the Test between England and Ireland at Twickenham the following weekend (March 17).

South African television match official, Marius Jonker, will also be on duty during the tournament.

Jonker will be the TMO for the Test between Wales and Italy in Cardiff on March 11 and Italy and Scotland in Rome the following weekend (March 17).

World Rugby match officials selection committee chairperson Anthony Buchanan commented on the match official appointments for the Six Nations: "Our mission is to reach Rugby World Cup 2019 with the best-possible team of in-form, in-peak physical condition match officials with a proven record of making clear, consistent and accurate decisions in the biggest international fixtures and competitions, including the Six Nations.

"This selection is a reflection of form following a busy November window which gave us the opportunity to test the next generation of international match officials alongside the experienced campaigners. Overall, the selectors were pleased with progress against our objectives as we continue to build towards Japan 2019."