Nika Amashukeli (30), a promising former Georgian player who had to end his career at the age of 20 due to injury, will be the whistle referee this Saturday evening of the clash between France and New Zealand, at the French Stadium.
He began his career in his country at the age of 21, where he quickly managed to find a place. If he has already refereed some matches in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup, he is above all the first referee not belonging to the major teams to referee the Six Nations Tournament. Furthermore, he is not unknown to some members of the France XV as he was the referee of the France-Scotland match in this same Tournament, in 2023.
But the most amazing thing about Nika Amashukeli is that he survived an attack. In 2016, when he was only 22 years old, the young referee was stabbed at the end of a Georgian first division match. “There was no official timeframe,” he told British newspaper The Telegraph. The referees were responsible for controlling the clock. I told the captains there were four minutes left. But the one in Batumi misunderstood me. He thought I said two minutes. His team, ahead by three points, clears the ball after two minutes but I don’t blow the full whistle and the opponents snatch the draw thanks to a penalty (22-22). »
Before continuing: “It got warmed up. The fans intervened. In Georgia every authority is viewed with great suspicion. There were a lot of insults, a fight, someone had a knife and I felt something on my leg. As I looked, I saw blood everywhere. »
An attack that almost pushed him towards the exit. However, he chose to continue his career and managed to referee international matches. A meteoric rise also legitimized by his linguistic ease. He is fluent in almost four languages: Georgian, English, Russian and a little French. Nika Amashukeli is today considered one of the best in her profession according to World Rugby.
How does Nika Amashukeli prepare for high-pressure matches in her refereeing career?
Interview with Nika Amashukeli: The Rising Star of Rugby Officiating
Editor of Time.news (ET): Welcome, Nika! It’s fantastic to have you here. You’re set to make history this Saturday as the whistle referee for the highly anticipated match between France and New Zealand. How are you feeling about this opportunity?
Nika Amashukeli (NA): Thank you for having me! Honestly, it’s a mix of excitement and nerves. Refereeing such a prestigious match is a significant milestone in my career, especially since I started officiating after my injury at just 20 years old.
ET: That’s an impressive turnaround! Knowing that you had to end your playing career so early, what motivated you to transition into refereeing?
NA: I have always been passionate about rugby, and although it was disappointing to stop playing, I wanted to stay involved in the sport. Refereeing allows me to contribute strategically to the game while also staying connected to the players and teams I admire.
ET: You’ve made quite a name for yourself already! You’re the first referee from outside the major teams to officiate a Six Nations Tournament match. How did it feel to be given that responsibility?
NA: It was an incredible honor. The Six Nations is one of the most prestigious tournaments in rugby, and being part of it as a referee was a dream come true. It pushed me to elevate my game and stay focused under pressure. The experience of officiating matches with international players was invaluable.
ET: You’ve refereed some significant matches, including the France-Scotland game earlier this year. Were there any challenges you faced during that match?
NA: Every match brings its own challenges, but officiating at that level really tested my skills. In the France-Scotland game, I had to be attentive to the dynamics and emotions on the field, especially as the match progressed and tensions rose. Maintaining control and being decisive is key.
ET: Given your familiarity with some of the players from the France XV, do you think it influences how they might perceive you as a referee?
NA: Definitely! Having officiated their matches, there’s a certain level of respect that comes from that familiarity. However, I always emphasize that my role is to be impartial, and all players should expect the same standards regardless of prior interactions.
ET: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future? Where do you see your career in the next five years?
NA: I aim to keep growing as a referee and gaining more experience in different tournaments. My dream is to officiate at the highest levels, including World Cups and other international competitions. I also want to inspire young referees in Georgia and share my journey to encourage them to pursue this path.
ET: Nika, it’s truly inspiring to hear your passion and commitment to rugby. Best of luck this Saturday! We’ll be watching eagerly to see you in action.
NA: Thank you so much! I appreciate the support and hope to make the match a great spectacle for everyone involved.