Boks get new ref for Ireland opener as Angus Gardner withdraws

Angus Gardner will not officiate the opening Test between the Springboks and Ireland after the Australian withdrew from the two-match series for personal reasons.

World Rugby announced that Luke Pearce of England will take the whistle on Saturday, 6 July, at Loftus Versfeld when the teams clash in the opening encounter of their two-match series.

He will be assisted by Karl Dickson (England) and Mike Adamson (Scotland), with Ben Whitehouse (Wales) on TMO duties.

"World Rugby has confirmed that Angus Gardner (Australia) has withdrawn from officiating duties for the two-Test series between South Africa and Ireland for personal reasons. The Australian will be replaced by Luke Pearce (England) as referee for the first Test and also as assistant referee for the second Test," the World Rugby statement released on Monday evening read. 

The second Test against Ireland is on Saturday, 13 July, at Kings Park in Durban.

"As a consequence of the change, there are also further amendments to the appointments, including Christophe Ridley (England), replacing Pearce as assistant referee for Japan vs Georgia on 13 July."