Gaüzère hangs up the whistle

Referee Pascal Gaüzère blew the final whistle yesterday, not only on the Lions vs Japan match, but also his refereeing career. 

The 44 year-old Frenchman boasts an 11 year stint and has risen as one of the top referees in the world. 

His debut saw him officiate between Russia and Germany in 2010 and has since racked up 53 tests two his name, including two World Cups (2015 and 2019) and a World Rugby U20 Championship final. 

“It will not be without emotion when I blow the whistle for the final time at the end of the British and Irish Lions match against Japan on Saturday,” Gauzere said ahead of the test. 

“Rugby officiating has given me so much from incredible experiences in the middle of test matches, European or Top 14 matches to friendships and the spirit of camaraderie that can only be felt in rugby.  

“As I start a new chapter of my life, I will continue to pass on these beautiful values that are at the heart of the sport and its officiating.” 

World Rugby Vice Chairman and FFR President Bernard Laporte said: “Without match officials we have no game – they are essential to playing the game and its values. At the FFR, our ambition is to support and develop match officials who are not just able to perform at the highest level, but who are also great ambassadors for rugby.  

“Pascal Gaüzère exemplifies that ethos and through his passion, his rigor and the high standards of the French refereeing training, he has accomplished great things. He was able to shine on the biggest national and international pitches, especially during Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. I am proud of his career and the legacy that he will leave behind. I wish him to continue to pass on his passion and to achieve great things off the pitch. “