The referees, so often forgotten, are essential. Sometimes controversial, they're essential to the game. They make mistakes, just like any human being, but their hit rate is better than any player’s. To all teams and players, we ask you to always respect them.

We invite officials from different countries and always ask visiting teams if they want to bring one in their touring parties.

Over the years, we have had match officials from Portugal, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Germany, Spain, France, Ukraine, Gibraltar, Belgium, amongst others. In 2024, 2025 and 2026, Rugby Europe partnered with the Portugal Rugby Youth Festival, providing 21 International-level match officials, a major achievement and recognition of the quality of the tournament and the commitment to be a benchmark event for all to enjoy!