The IRB have announced the three referees who will officiate the Lions Test matches this summer. Bryce Lawrence of New Zealand handles the opening test in Durban, Christophe Berdos of France will take charge in Pretoria while Australian Stuart Dickinson officiates the final test in Johannesburg.

IRB ref manager Paddy O’Brien explained the selection process. “We met with the Lions and South Africa team management last month. All were in favour of the appointment of neutral match officials for the Test series.”

All three referees are extremely experienced, Dickinson the most senior with 41 test matches to his name.