SA ref takes charge of Pro14 Final
This is a wonderful achievement for the 35-year-old businessman from Durban, who recently became a father. He says of his appointment: "Quite unbelievable for me."
He has experience, having refereed 11 Tests, 51 Currie Cup matches, 26 Super Rugby matches and 13 PRO14 matches.
Last Saturday, Berry refereed the semifinal between Leinster and Munster in Dublin while Johnny Lacey of Ireland did the other semifinal in Glasgow.
Greg Garner, PRO14's manager of referees, himself till recently a top referee, said of the appointment: said: "These appointments are a significant step for the PRO14 in that we can balance the need for neutral officials with capability for our showpiece game. Stuart has refereed 13 games in the Championship this season which adds to his experience in Super Rugby and at international level.
"We have a number of goals when it comes to our match officials and creating a deeper pool of talent that extends across Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales is one of the top priorities. The addition of South African referees to the PRO14 has provided us with a broader roster to select from and allowed us to name an all-neutral panel of match officials for this weekend.
"It’s very satisfying that in all six PRO14 Final Series games we have appointed fully neutral match official teams because in the past referees have been brought in from England and France to officiate the Championship decider. In fact, only one referee appointment in the past eight Finals has been non-neutral. Stuart’s selection is great news because he is used to the style of play in the PRO14 and will be more familiar with our Finalist teams."
Appointments to the 2018 PRO14 Final
Leinster vs Scarlets at Aviva Stadium in Dublin
Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Marius Mitrea (Italy), Mike Adamson Scotland
Television match official: Neil Paterson (Scotland)
PRO14 Final Referees in the Past
2010: Chris White (England)
2011: Nigel Owens (Wales)
2012: Romain Poite (France)
2013: John Lacey (Ireland)
2014: Nigel Owens (Wales)
2015: Nigel Owens (Wales)
2016: Nigel Owens (Wales)
2017: Nigel Owens (Wales)
2018: Stuart Berry (South Africa)
