Luc Ramos will make his Six Nations debut as the French referee takes charge of Italy vs England in Rome.
Born in Beziers, Ramos took up the whistle at 16 before prioritising his officiating career four years later after calling time on his playing days.
He has progressed steadily through the ranks since, making a Top 14 bow in 2019 and earning a first international appointment two years later.
The 35-year-old is familiar with England having overseen games against Japan and Argentina on their last two summer tours, and now makes gets a Six Nations chance at the Stadio Olimpico.
Ramos’s last major outing as a referee was South Africa’s win over Wales in November, a game marred by Eben Etzebeth’s eye gouge.
He has had to deal with disruption in his officiating team ahead of the trip to Rome. Nic Berry had been due to take up a position as an assistant on the touchline but has been unable to travel from Australia due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Ramos’s compatriot Pierre Brousset will therefore takeover AR1 duties, with Scotland’s Sam Grove-White whistled in to operate as the other touch judge.,
Match officials for Italy vs England
Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)
ARs: Pierre Brousset (Fra) & Sam Grove-White (Sco)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Ben Whitehouse (Wal)
