South Africa’s Craig Joubert, who was in charge as host country New Zealand beat France 8-7 to be crowned world champions, will link up with his new colleagues ahead of the opening round in Dubai, scheduled for December 4 and 5.

It will come after the completion of his duties at this year’s Rugby World Cup in England where the 37-year-old will be one of a dozen officials refereeing the matches from September 18 to October 31.

Joining Joubert on the referee’s panel are fellow South Africans Marius van der Westhuizen, Ben Crouse and Rasta Rasivhenge, while Richard Kelly and Nick Briant are New Zealand’s representatives with Matt O’Brien and Anthony Moyes flying the flag for Australia.

Completing the list is Argentina’s Federico Anselmi, France’s Alex Ruiz, Scotland’s Mike Adamson and Japan’s Taku Otsuki.

With excitement building ahead of Rio 2016, where rugby sevens will make its Olympic debut, the desire from the world’s top 15s referees to be a part of the match officials team heightens the already strong competition for places.

"I’m really excited by the opportunity to again referee on the World Rugby Sevens Series," said Joubert, who will officiate France's clash with Italy in his first 2015 Rugby World Cup match on September 19.

"My dream is, through on-field performances, to put myself in a position to be considered for selection to referee at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

"Sevens rugby has progressed significantly since I refereed on the series from 2003 to 2005 and I know that the first step is to prove myself again as a capable sevens referee.

"I’ll be joining a very experienced and close group of officials on the circuit who I’m really looking forward to learning from and ultimately proving myself to them as a valuable team mate and colleague on this exciting journey for all of us."

Additionally, 10 officials have been selected for the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, which will also kick off in Dubai.

Headlining the women’s referee panel is Australia’s Amy Perrett, who oversaw the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup final between Canada and eventual winners England in Paris.  

Perrett is joined by Spain’s Alhambra Nievas, the United States’ Leah Berard, England’s Sara Cox, Hong Kong’s Gabriel Lee, New Zealand’s Jess Beard, Italy’s Beatrice Benvenuti, Canada’s Rose LaBreche and Fiji’s James Bolabiu, while Rasivhenge features on the women's list as well.  

"Congratulations to all the men’s and women’s officials selected for next season’s series," said World Rugby Council member and match official selector John Jeffery.

"With Rio 2016 rapidly approaching, we are set for another record-breaking season of sevens on and off the field.

"It is exciting for the sevens referee team that a high-profile referee such as Craig has made himself available to try to referee his way into the Olympics.

"We all know he is an outstanding 15s referee, and having started his career in sevens, we are delighted he will be able to bring his experience and expertise into the sevens group."

The men’s World Rugby Sevens Series has been extended to 10 stops for the upcoming Series, with Cape Town, Sydney, Singapore, Vancouver and Paris new additions to the circuit.

Dates for the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series will be announced in due course.


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