Referee Christophe Ridley has joined Steve Borthwick’s back-room staff in a ‘more formal’ capacity ahead of the July internationals as England join a growing global trend.
Ridley will provide ‘specialist support around officiating’ to the men’s team, an RFU statement on LinkedIn confirmed.
While top teams usually provide insight and give pointers to teams, more and more referees and former officials have taken up permanent roles with international and club teams.
Growing trend
French referee Jérôme Garcès was one of the first to do so when he joined Les Bleus’ backroom staff as a discipline and refereeing advisor after hanging up his whistle after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Romain Poite did similarly as he consulted with Stade Francais before linking up with RC Toulon, while Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus attempted to add Nigel Owens to his coaching team but was rebuffed by the Welshman.
Erasmus then turned to ex-South African referee Jaco Peyper, who carries the job title of the team’s national laws advisor.
What makes Ridley’s position more unique is that he is still continuing his officiating career and combining it with his duties with the national team.
“This appointment reflects the game working together”
The Englishman will assist Nic Berry in the first Test match between the All Blacks and France in New Zealand before taking the man role for the second game a week later.
“Ridley, a professional referee since 2016, will advise the set-up on law changes, interpretations, discipline, and general referee engagement,” the statement added.
Commenting on the appointment, Conor O’Shea, executive director of performance rugby at the RFU, said: “This appointment reflects the game working together – recognising and valuing the importance of refereeing and how it can positively influence performance. Christophe’s experience and insight will be hugely valuable for the players and coaches alike.”
The 32-year-old made his Premiership debut in 2016 and took charge of the 2024 final between Bath and Northampton Saints.
An international-level referee, he has also officiated in the United Rugby Championship, European competitions, the Six Nations Championship and at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“When you first start as a local referee, you don’t consider the idea you may end up working alongside the England rugby team,” Ridley wrote on LinkedIn.
“It’s an incredible privilege, and I’m immensely proud to be part of such a dedicated and inspiring group of players and staff.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/steve-borthwick-copies-france-and-springboks-tactic-as-growing-coaching-trend-continues
